Governors Can Influence Policy

Various energy strategies have their support blocs among government officials. A substantial number of members of Congress were responsible for federal incentives to promote use of ethanol, for example. Others, such as the group led by presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, favor a demand-side approach. They think energy conservation can resolve problems such as those with high gasoline prices.

But there is no organized power bloc promoting coal. The nearest thing to it is a handful of lawmakers, led by Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., who want federal incentives for clean coal technology.

If coal ever is to receive the attention it needs from Washington, an organized, powerful political entity will be needed to promote it. That doesn't mean a few members of Congress or a few coal-state governors.

It could mean the Southern Governors Association, however.

During their conference at the Greenbrier a few days ago, members of the SGA discussed energy policy. According to reports, they seemed to be in agreement that a unified approach is essential.

And the governors seem to understand that coal needs to be a foundation of energy policy.

W.Va. Gov. Joe Manchin, long a proponent of increased use of coal, pointed out that it and nuclear power receive comparatively small amounts of federal research funding. That needs to change, he added.

Other SGA members appear to understand that, too.

The SGA, including governors of 16 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, wields a substantial amount of political clout. During recent years, governors have established a track record of being better than Congress in terms of innovation. That puts the SGA in an excellent position in regard to energy policy leadership.

We urge the SGA, possibly with the leadership of Manchin and like-minded governors, to assume that role in promoting a realistic energy policy.

Member Comments

View Comments: | 1-3 | Post a comment

atoddh
08-13-08 9:46 PM »Report Abuse	wv:all the fossil fuels are hyrocarbons.
topsie
08-13-08 12:50 PM »Report Abuse	there are co2 scubers, we had them on submarines. ALGOR should invest his co2 credits in scrubers.
Georgetwin
08-13-08 10:47 AM »Report Abuse	We have it, let's USE IT!

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