What They Are Saying
“Greater use of Kentucky coal in clean energy projects is the ultimate solution for re-energizing our regional economy, creating thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in direct economic benefits over the long term…projects like this demonstrate Kentucky’s global leadership in advancing clean energy projects, and they enjoy rock solid support: More than 80 percent of Kentucky residents support coal gasification, which mirrors strong national support for coal.”
Governor Steve Beshear | Press Release
“ConocoPhillips and Peabody Energy Select Site in Muhlenberg County, Ky., to Develop Coal-to-Gas Facility”
“America’s energy must be diversified, a coal-to-gas facility is a step in that direction with a direct benefit for Kentucky…Coal-to-gas technology is a clean way to use coal to cure America’s addiction to foreign oil. I hope that the permit process is expedited, so the estimated $100 million yearly economic benefits could come to the region as soon as possible. In addition to the monetary infusion, 1,200 jobs will be created during the four year construction process as well as 500 permanent jobs once the facility is built.”
Senator Jim Bunning | Press Release
Bunning Comments On Coal-To-Gas Facility In Muhlenberg County
“As Kentuckians continue to face tough and uncertain economic times, I am very pleased that Muhlenberg County will soon be home to a new facility that will not only create hundreds of jobs and provide a needed boost to the western Kentucky economy, but promote the development and use of our nation’s most abundant natural resource - coal. Western Kentucky has a long history of being at the forefront of energy development and technology. This new coal-to-gas facility will put to good use Kentucky’s 87.1 billion tons of coal resources and go a long way in advancing the next wave of clean coal technologies. In addition, the economic benefits this energy center will bring are immense. With 1200 construction jobs and 500 long-term jobs expected to be created and $100 million in economic activity generated ever year, this facility is a win-win for western Kentucky. I have been proud to support the building of this plant all along the way and will continue to do whatever I can to see this project through.”
U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield | Press Release
Whitfield Statement on KY NewGas Energy Center
“This is an exciting day for our community and our region with the announcement of a state of the art coal to natural gas facility to be located in Muhlenberg County. The facility is a positive step toward economic revitalization for Muhlenberg County and the entire region and energy independence for our nation. This-state-of-the-art facility capitalizes on the assets our region offers for clean coal technology — vast coal reserves, water and a strong available workforce…I applaud our state and local officials for working together to bring us to this important announcement. ConcoPhillips and Peabody Energy is combining two of our greatest resources — coal and our human capital — to bring us all a brighter future.”
State Senator Jerry P. Rhoads | Press Release
Muhlenberg County Coal to Natural Gas Plant a Go
“We’ll invest in technology that will allow us to use more coal, America’s most abundant energy source, with the goal of creating five first-of-a-kind coal-fired demonstration plants with carbon capture and sequestration.”
State Representative Keith Hall | Messenger-Inquirer
Lawmakers Get Overview of Coal-to-Gas Plant
“It was so refreshing to see us take that first step.”
President-Elect Barack Obama | Press Release
“CO2 Solution Applauds President-elect Obama’s Affirmation of Climate Change Mitigation Policies”
“Solving our mounting energy challenges requires a mainstream, entrepreneurial approach and gasification has an important role to play…despite what some will tell you, free enterprise and a cleaner world are not opposing forces.”
Newt Gingrich | Press Release
Newt Gingrich to Deliver Keynote Address at Gasification Technologies Conference
“As president, I will tap our natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power.”
President-Elect Barack Obama | Democratic National Convention Speech
“The American Promise”
“…the coal we can mine in this country alone would be enough to supply our nation for more than 250 years. What Saudi Arabia is to oil, America is to coal. Therefore, it would irresponsible of us, not to mention downright foolish, not to invest in technology to take advantage of this vital natural resource.”
U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell | Press Release
“McConnell Urges Colleagues to Support Bunning Amendment on Coal-to-Liquid Fuels”
“Now is the time to more fully develop the science that would enable diesel-reliant consumers and the U.S. military to utilize this clean, coal-based fuel.”
U.S. Representative Hal Rogers | University of Kentucky News
“Researchers Get Coal-to-Liquid Funds”
“Let’s use clean Kentucky coal, develop off-shore oil and boost new technology and let’s do it all right now,”
U.S. Representative Brett Guthrie | Pol Watchers
“Guthrie radio ads hammer gas issue”
“We believe Kentucky is in a unique position to be the national leader in this arena. I want to make sure we’re noticed as leaders in reducing our dependence on foreign oil.”
State Representative Rocky Adkins | Associated Press
“US Bodman Announces $450 Million For ‘Clean Coal’ Research”
“Coal is an energy source we simply cannot afford to waste. It provides fuel for over 90 percent of the electricity in Kentucky and over 50 percent of the electricity used nationwide. It is absurd, and indeed impossible, to attempt to remove coal from our energy portfolio as some would like to do, which is why I support carbon capture and storage technology and deployment to ensure an environmentally responsible role for coal in our energy future.”
U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield | Press Release
Whitfield Works to Secure Future of KY Coal
“As the national average for a gallon of gas hovers around $4, I think it’s high time we stop looking to foreign countries for our energy and start looking at alternative sources of transportation fuel right here at home. Given our country’s vast coal reserves, coal-to-liquids technology is an extremely promising domestic alternative to petroleum-based transportation fuel,”
U.S. Representative Hal Rogers | University of Kentucky News
“Researchers Get Coal-to-Liquid Funds”
“The fact that we can no longer rely on unstable foreign regimes to supply the energy resources we need has never been clearer. It is time to put all our options on the table and implement a comprehensive energy strategy that will explore our domestic resources, develop alternative fuels and invest heavily in future fuel technology. Coal-to-liquid technology could have enormous benefits for Kentucky as a source of thousands of jobs and for our nation as a source of clean, stable, affordable fuel.”
U.S. Representative Geoff Davis | University of Kentucky News
“Researchers Get Coal-to-Liquid Funds”
“For the first time a clean alternative fuel derived from coal that meets the Department of Defense’s specifications for jet fuel will be able to qualify for a 50 cent credit. At a time of war, it is imperative that we do all that we can to ensure our Defense Department has a secure domestic fuel supply. Our clean coal credit helps support this while providing the Pentagon with a clean burning, low emissions alternative fuel.”
U.S. Senator Jim Bunning | Press Release
“Bunning To Vote Against Bailout Bill”
“We are very excited about the announcement and pledge to work with you in any way to help your efforts.”
Dale Todd, Superintendent, and the Board of Education, Muhlenberg County Schools
“We’re tickled to death this is coming to Central City…It’s not only good for Central City, but this will benefit the entire region.”
State Senator Joey Pendleton | Bowling Green Daily News
“New Plants Good News for the State”
“As a native of Owensboro (and as the former mayor of Owensboro), I’m thrilled about the news of an investment of energy in “my old neighborhood!”
David Adkisson, President & CEO, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
“This facility shows how we can use American technology and ingenuity to unlock the energy in coal in a very environmentally responsible manner. The fact that this technology captures virtually all of the carbon dioxide that is produced is a real step forward. Peabody and ConocoPhillips are moving the ball forward in a very important manner with this project.”
