coal

An issue previously at the center of some political differences within the Bluegrass state is again making national waves, as a group backed by former Vice President Al Gore is behind a new nationwide television ad claiming "clean coal" technology "does not exist." A spokesperson for the Alliance for Climate Protection - one of several environmental groups comprising the "Reality Coalition" of organizations sponsoring the ad - said the message would not economically hinder coal-producing Kentucky areas.

The groups airing the ad say it is the first part of a campaign that will include further TV and print efforts to counter the coal industry's own ad campaign.

Under fire from opponents arguing the burning of coal is a major contributor to climate change, the coal industry is already out with a comprehensive public relations push asserting that coal can be made "clean" through investment and development, arguing coal can be used to produce electricity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions  - a push falling under the label of "clean coal."

 Alliance for Climate Protection spokesperson Brian Hardwick said this effort by the coal industry is "an illusion."

MINNEAPOLIS – The Republican Party of Kentucky’s Tuesday morning delegation breakfast featured appearances and brief remarks from two representatives of the coal industry, a major economic player in Kentucky and a source of controversy for many who say the industry damages the environment.

Representatives from Arch Coal and Alliance Coal were among those who spoke, greeted delegates, and handed out information to attendees on Tuesday.

Rusty Ashcraft, who works on lobbying efforts and environmental affairs for Alliance, said representatives from the industry attended both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions and passed out information to delegates.

The coal industry has been under heat from some activists who oppose mining practices such as mountaintop removal, arguing they permanantly damage rural mountain communities and pollute the surrounding environment.

Ashcraft said he and his associates in the industry were pushing to alter that impression with their appearances at the conventions.

“There is so much disinformation out there,” Ashcraft said. “This is an opportunity to basically provide additional information about our industry on safety and the environment. And to basically remind people that coal is not going to go anywhere.”