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Off the Editor’s Desk – 11-20-2013

WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT

I have written before about the assault on coal used in generating electricity and that government regulations have many old coal fired plants shutting down with more closings to come. Obama’s war on coal with the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) newly instituted rule effectively prevents all future coal-fired utility plant development.

 In a written piece by Tom Toth, the Social Media Director for Americans for Limited Government, when the lights go out, tells what is happening to the production of electricity in the face of government regulations.

The coal fired generation plants produce some 37 percent of the electricity we use in the United States. Toth writes, “Right behind coal as affordable domestic energy is natural gas, which after recent years of explosive growth, now generates about 30 percent of the nation’s electricity.” Toth expects natural gas to grow to 38 percent by 2021. He continues, “While natural gas tends to get a bad rap when it comes to the environment, when converting to electricity, natural gas releases less emissions than any other fossil fuel. Further, there is enough known natural gas repositories available in the United States to fuel the nation for over 175 years.”

Our good friend, Dan Knoebel, who lives in Boise, Idaho, has been keeping me informed about wind generation out there. In his letter of November 8th, Dan wrote, “Snow pack in the mountains was below average last winter.” He also sent along a newsletter from Idaho Power, which featured an item called, “Straight Talk About Coal. Coal is an important resource for Idaho Power and for our customers. Chances are, coal is generating a significant portion of the electricity you are using right now. It provides inexpensive, reliable energy that can’t easily be replaced with other sources. And, based on what we know today, it’s going to be part of the answer to our energy needs for years to come,” the newsletter stated.

Toth continues with, “The EPA is now preparing to act on claims some have that hydraulic fracturing is contaminating water wells and must be discontinued outright. Known as ‘fracking’, it is the means by which natural gas and oil is harvested from the ground for use. To date, no evidence has been brought forth that substantiates the claim that water wells have been found to be dangerous for consumption due to fracking. However, the full report from the EPA on Fracking’s Safety is due in 2014. One can surmise from the rules passed the first five years of Obama’s time overseeing the EPA, that this new report and the associated regulations could be devastating for the natural gas industry and the American economy.”

Toth recaps his comments by saying, “Cut natural gas and coal from the marketplace and two-thirds of America’s electricity-generating capacity is gone.”

“Leftist environmental activists have for years been trying to breach the dams that make up 30 percent of renewable energy. They oppose the lumbering necessary for biomass wood, which makes up 22 percent of renewable power. Furthermore, wind power turbines kill millions of birds and bats a year, regardless of endangerment statues, thus ending the support of leftist groups for another 15 percent of renewable power,’ Toth states.

Toth concludes, “Therefore, if environmental alarmists were granted their utopian America, they would cut at least two-thirds of all fossil-fuel electricity generation (before even touching petroleum) and another two-thirds of renewable energy options. The truth of the matter is: progressive environmental groups, like the ones running or carrying influence in the EPA, have no plan for powering America’s future. They are, in fact, forward about their belief that earth would be better off without modern humanity and the standard of life we enjoy here in 21st century. Their policies are not reform – they’re a sabotage strategy. If unchecked, the lights will go off and so will the American way of life.”

Remember, when you vote, vote to keep the lights on. Thanks for reading.

— Carlton