October 30, 2009

Byrd Applauds New Clean Coal Project in West Virginia

“This path-breaking carbon capture and storage project, championed by American Electric Power and Alstom, signifies that coal is poised to be a clean, competitive 21^st Century fuel,” said Byrd.

“Since my earliest days in Congress, I have been an advocate of using fossil fuels more cleanly and efficiently.  One of my proudest accomplishments is the Clean Coal Technology Program.  The National Energy Technology Laboratory, which has made significant investments in this facility, has long been researching and refining the technologies of carbon capture and storage.  Bringing these components to widespread, commercial-scale deployment is eminently possible – and relatively soon – if we encourage innovation, and provide sufficient public financing to ensure that clean coal receives the sustained attention of our nation’s best engineers and skilled tradesmen.”

“We will show that clean coal can be a “green” energy.  As the Senate struggles for consensus on an energy policy, I am pursuing powerful incentives to support new and existing power plants, like the Mountaineer facility, that install carbon capture and storage systems.  It’s good for the economy.  It’s good for the environment.  It’s good and ready to be pursued at commercial scale.”

“American Electric Power’s commitment today and the Federal government’s commitment going forward, will help to ensure that West Virginia coal will continue to light and heat our homes and businesses for many years to come.”

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