Promoting a Clean “All-Sources” Energy Plan

Few issues are as salient to the American public as the price of energy. As citizens experience one of the largest economic downturns in our nation’s history, the issue of affordable and sustainable energy is on everyone’s mind. While alternative energy sources may represent the future of America’s power industry, the reality is that traditional sources of energy still dominate the portfolio with more than 50 percent of our energy coming from coal alone. While states increasingly adopt renewable portfolio standards and expanded cap-and-trade programs, traditional sources are also evolving. Clean coal technologies such as carbon capture and sequestration and coal liquefaction/gasification are enhancing coal’s ability to be used in a cleaner manner.

As governor of the second largest coal producing state, Gov. Joe Manchin knows a thing or two about energy. A West Virginia native, Manchin grew up in a coal-mining community and has remained involved with the industry throughout his public service career championing coal as an economic development resource and fighting to improve safety for coal miners.

“Because of its wide availability, versatility and reasonable cost, clean coal will be strategically important to our energy future. I sincerely believe that technological solutions leading to the greening of the coal industry hold the key to America’s security, which is why I am so committed to working toward the continued development of clean coal technologies and the construction of clean coal power and fuel liquefaction plants,” Gov. Manchin saidduring his 2008 State of the State address.

During his tenure as CSG’s President in 2009, Gov. Manchin will simultaneously serve as chair of the Southern States Energy Board (beginning in August 2009). The board is an interstate compact-created commission whose mission is to enhance economic development and the quality of life in the South through innovations in energy and environmental policies, programs and technologies. This dual role represents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between industry, regulators, policymakers and the consuming public and to further the dialogue on America’s energy future.

Gov. Joe Manchin III,

West Virginia

2009 CSG President