Hot air about alternatives
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As Congress begins the debate again over federal cap-and-trade/climate change legislation, Pennsylvanians need to wade through the thick air to get a true assessment of our energy needs, along with the economic impacts associated with the energy sources that produce the electricity we depend on daily.
While the recent oil spill and recovery efforts in the Gulf of Mexico appear to have created momentum for federal action, I'd suggest such motives are misguided. What's required is a careful analysis of the facts to avoid knee-jerk reactions that fly in the face of the reality of our energy infrastructure. Going along blindly ultimately would cause a long-term economic catastrophe for Pennsylvania and the entire country.
It is clear that the bills being considered in Congress are focused on moving the country's away from coal -- our most affordable and reliable source of electricity for now and for many years to come.
Let's consider some facts.
A just-released study on the economic impacts of coal mining in Pennsylvania, issued by the Pennsylvania Economy League of Southwestern Pennsylvania, reveals that the coal industry contributes more than $7.5 billion and 41,500 jobs to the commonwealth's economy every year.
It is also important to remember that more than half of the electricity consumed by Pennsylvanians is derived from coal, while solar and wind provide just more than 1 percent. What's more, 59 of our 67 counties have coal-related businesses and coal equipment and machinery is one of the few industrial sectors in our state experiencing growth.
While the various alternative energies have a role to play, they clearly cannot meet the country's current demand for electricity nor will they do so as demand grows by an estimated 31 percent over the next 25 years, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These energy sources already receive significant state and federal subsidies, despite the fact that they clearly have not been practical, reliable or affordable.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimated the costs per kilowatt hour for electricity generated by renewable sources in Pennsylvania for 2007 against the cost for coal. Solar energy cost between $27 and $41 per kilowatt hour, depending on the technology, and wind averaged $7.50 per kwh. The cost to generate electricity from coal is only $5.70 per kwh.
First Published July 13, 2010 12:00 am
