This is a possibly as the ExCom will have a meeting August 11 in Lewisburg. I could possibly stay over at my brother's in Renick.
Karen
-----Original Message----- From: ec-bounces@osenergy.org [mailto:ec-bounces@osenergy.org] On Behalf Of James Kotcon Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007 9:06 AM To: ec@osenergy.org; Glen Besa Subject: [EC] Fwd: Fw: July 25 FutureCoalFuels.org Update
Anybody want to go to Beckley to picket this event? With the right preparation, we might get a lot of press to help nip this industry in the bud. At a minimum, they should know that there is opposition, even in West Virginia.
JBK
"Donald Strimbeck" dcsoinks@comcast.net 7/25/2007 11:05 AM >>>
Untitled Donald C. Strimbeck, Secretary Upper Monongahela River Association Incorporated 109 Broad Street, P.O. Box 519 Granville, WV 26534-0519 304-599-7585 (Fax:4131) Email: dcsoinks@comcast.net http://www.uppermon.org http://www.monriversummit.org
----- Original Message ----- From: info futurecoalfuels To: dcsoinks@comcast.net Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:15 AM Subject: July 25 FutureCoalFuels.org Update
FutureCoalFuels.org Update July 25, 2007
In this update:
Coal-to-Liquids Coalition to host major CTL conference in West Virginia
Rep. Barton emphasizes need for domestic CTL fuels in House energy bill
DOE highlights need for domestic CTL fuels in Sacramento Bee
House approves bill funding Ohio CTL studies
Peabody Energy considering CTL plant in western Kentucky
Become a CTL grassroots supporter
------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----
Coal-to-Liquids Coalition to host major CTL conference in West Virginia
The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition will host a major conference Aug. 14-15 in Beckley, W.Va., that will highlight the significant energy security, economic and environmental benefits America stands to gain by jumpstarting production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels.
The conference will feature the latest information on the outlook for domestically produced CTL fuels by U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman John Murtha (D-Pa.) U.S. Air Force Undersecretary Dr. Ronald M. Sega, Assistant Air Force Secretary William Anderson, as well as presentations from leading industry, financial and labor experts. Among the speakers scheduled to participate in the conference are United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts, Pat Esposito, energy advisor to West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) and Peabody Energy Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Fred Palmer.
The conference will also include a luncheon presentation by Lt. Col. Daniel Millman, who conducted B-52 testing of Fischer-Tropsch fuels for the Air Force in 2006. Col. Millman will detail his experience flying aircraft powered by fuels made using the same process that will be used to produce domestic CTL fuels.
"The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition is proud to host this conference that will spotlight how CTL fuels can play a vital role in creating a new energy future for America," said National Mining Association President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz. "On behalf of the coalition, I urge those interested in learning how CTL fuels can put America on a path to energy independence to attend and learn more from leading military, industry, labor and government representatives on the many benefits offered by domestic CTL fuels."
To register and learn more about the conference, please visit: www.ctlconference2007.org or contact Corey Henry at chenry@futurecoalfuels.org.
Rep. Barton emphasizes need for domestic CTL fuels in House energy bill
House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Joe Barton (R-Texas) recently expressed dismay that the House of Representatives may soon consider energy legislation that does not contain incentives meant to jumpstart the production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels.
Speaking at an energy forum hosted by Congressional Quarterly, Barton stressed that coal is "our most abundant natural resource.and we ought to use it." Barton lamented that energy legislation the House could consider in the next two weeks as currently drafted is an "energy bill that has no energy in it."
Barton said that the abundance of coal in the U.S. is what makes CTL fuels "so attractive," saying "politically [CTL] has to be in the mix" if the House stands any chance of advancing comprehensive energy legislation.
John Ward, vice president of marketing and government affairs for Headwaters Inc., participated in a panel discussion with representatives from leading energy producing and using organizations and detailed how congressional support for CTL fuels is needed to begin reducing America's growing reliance on oil imported from unstable parts of the world.
Headwaters Inc. is a member of the Coal-to-Liquids Coalition (CTLC) and is actively engaged in efforts to construct the first fleet of CTL facilities in the United States.
Ward also noted that the construction and operation of domestic CTL facilities will create thousands of new, high-paying jobs across the nation. He stressed that domestically made CTL fuels will help reduce the flow of billions of dollars American consumers send to hostile and unstable nations.
In addition, Ward stressed that federal studies have demonstrated that in comparison to the fuels they will replace, CTL fuels will be as clean, or cleaner, in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, while substantially reducing emissions of harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter
"On behalf of the CTLC, I want to thank John Ward and Rep. Barton for so clearly making the case for federal support of incentives that would accelerate domestic CTL production and help put America on the road to energy independence," said National Mining Association President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz. "America's future economic prosperity and national security hinge on allowing domestic CTL fuels to lead the way toward breaking our addiction to foreign oil."
DOE highlights need for domestic CTL fuels in Sacramento Bee
A senior U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) official earlier this month emphasized the urgent need to begin production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels, citing the energy security and environmental gains America can realize through production and use of domestic CTL fuels.
"Energy security means having reliable, affordable and environmentally sound sources of energy available largely from domestic sources," wrote Lowell Miller, director of DOE's Office of Sequestration, Hydrogen and Clean Coal Fuels in a July 13 Sacramento Bee opinion piece. "Coal fits the bill."
As crude oil prices appear likely to remain in the $50-60 range for the foreseeable future, "coal-derived fuels can provide a highly competitive and clean supplement to oil-derived fuels, substantially reducing the need for imported oil and thereby increasing energy security," said Miller.
"The chemical-industrial process for extracting ultra-clean diesel fuel, jet fuel and other products from coal has been around for decades, but only in recent years have advances in technology and the steep increase in the price of oil combined to make "coal-to-liquids" an attractive part of the solution to our pressing energy security and environmental concerns," wrote Miller.
Miller noted that a recent report from the National Coal Council estimates that America's coal supply could produce 2.6 million barrels per day of coal-derived fuels and highlighted that the Air Force has already "successfully tested blends of coal-derived jet fuel in its planes."
Miller emphasized that technological innovations are helping to make coal use increasingly clean. "Carbon sequestration and other emissions-reduction technologies can be applied to coal-to-liquids plants, and the primary product, ultra-clean diesel fuel, is far cleaner than any diesel fuel or gasoline in use today," Miller wrote.
As various legislative proposals have been and will continue to be considered on Capitol Hill, Miller said efforts are under across the country to begin constructing the first fleet of CTL plants. "While the legislative wheels grind, developers are working on coal-to-liquids plans with the governors and governments of Alaska, Montana, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Louisiana."
Miller also noted that America's economic competitors are racing ahead with plans to produce CTL fuels. "China.expects to be producing 20,000 barrels of fuel daily from its first coal-to-liquids plant before the year is out," said Miller. "When planned expansion is complete, the plant will produce 200,000 barrels of fuel a day. This is only the first shot in a massive, $127 billion coal liquefaction campaign by the Chinese." Miller also pointed to CTL production plans in Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand and noted that India's government is actively studying CTL fuel production.
A complete copy of Miller's opinion piece is available here.
House approves bill funding Ohio CTL studies
The U.S. House of Representatives last week approved a fiscal year 2008 appropriations bill that contains $2.25 million to study the technologies that could be used by a CTL plant Baard Energy plans on constructing in southeast Ohio.
A total of $1 million has been set aside to support a carbon sequestration scoping study meant to identify major geologic sites in Ohio suitable for underground carbon dioxide storage, while another $250,000 would be used to study the carbon life cycle of coal-based transportation fuel. The remaining $1 million would finance a northeastern Ohio pipeline study.
Construction of the Baard facility is expected to result in 4,000 jobs over the four years of expected construction and generate $31 million in income southeast Ohio.
Peabody Energy considering CTL plant in western Kentucky
Platts Coal Trader reported on July 6 that a CTL project under consideration by Peabody Energy for construction in Union County, Ky., is in the "very preliminary" stages, with its future likely to be decided by the results of a soon-to-be completed feasibility study.
Platts reported that the $3 billion plant would produce about 30,000 barrels of transportation fuels daily, with operations beginning in 2012 or 2013.
Kevin Sheilley, president and CEO of Northwest Kentucky Forward, told Platts that the office of Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher has given Peabody $400,000 for the feasibility study, with Peabody expected to contribute another $1 million. For now, no completion date for the study has been set.
The Peabody CTL plant is one of seven clean-coal projects proposed for the region, according to Sheilley, most of which would produce transportation fuels or synthetic natural gas.
Become a CTL grassroots supporter
The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition is working to build a strong network of grassroots supporters willing to contact federal and state lawmakers to voice their support for measures meant to spur the domestic production of affordable, clean-burning CTL fuels. CTL grassroots supporters can include company employees, union members, retirees, their families, friends and others spread across the country who share a personal stake in the successful launch of a domestic CTL industry.
The coming months are likely to see continued congressional CTL activity; a time in which a robust CTL grassroots network can be an invaluable tool in helping to increase the bipartisan support for legislation designed to jumpstart the production of ultra-clean CTL fuels.
To become a grassroots supporter visit: http://www.capitolconnect.com/futurecoalfuels/.
As CTL fuel developments transpire in 2007, be sure to regularly visit FutureCoalFuels.org for the latest news and information and learn how you can help strengthen America's energy future.
If you wish to unsubscribe from the CTL update e-mail service, please click here. _______________________________________________ EC mailing list EC@osenergy.org http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec
I could probably partcipate, at least on the 14th.
smw
On 7/26/07, Grubb, Karen kgrubb@fairmontstate.edu wrote:
This is a possibly as the ExCom will have a meeting August 11 in Lewisburg. I could possibly stay over at my brother's in Renick.
Karen
-----Original Message----- From: ec-bounces@osenergy.org [mailto:ec-bounces@osenergy.org] On Behalf Of James Kotcon Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007 9:06 AM To: ec@osenergy.org; Glen Besa Subject: [EC] Fwd: Fw: July 25 FutureCoalFuels.org Update
Anybody want to go to Beckley to picket this event? With the right preparation, we might get a lot of press to help nip this industry in the bud. At a minimum, they should know that there is opposition, even in West Virginia.
JBK
"Donald Strimbeck" dcsoinks@comcast.net 7/25/2007 11:05 AM >>>
Untitled Donald C. Strimbeck, Secretary Upper Monongahela River Association Incorporated 109 Broad Street, P.O. Box 519 Granville, WV 26534-0519 304-599-7585 (Fax:4131) Email: dcsoinks@comcast.net http://www.uppermon.org http://www.monriversummit.org
----- Original Message ----- From: info futurecoalfuels To: dcsoinks@comcast.net Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:15 AM Subject: July 25 FutureCoalFuels.org Update
FutureCoalFuels.org Update July 25, 2007
In this update:
Coal-to-Liquids Coalition to host major CTL conference in WestVirginia
Rep. Barton emphasizes need for domestic CTL fuels in Houseenergy bill
DOE highlights need for domestic CTL fuels in Sacramento Bee House approves bill funding Ohio CTL studies Peabody Energy considering CTL plant in western Kentucky Become a CTL grassroots supporter
Coal-to-Liquids Coalition to host major CTL conference in West Virginia
The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition will host a major conference Aug. 14-15 in Beckley, W.Va., that will highlight the significant energy security, economic and environmental benefits America stands to gain by jumpstarting production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels.
The conference will feature the latest information on the outlook for domestically produced CTL fuels by U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman John Murtha (D-Pa.) U.S. Air Force Undersecretary Dr. Ronald M. Sega, Assistant Air Force Secretary William Anderson, as well as presentations from leading industry, financial and labor experts. Among the speakers scheduled to participate in the conference are United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts, Pat Esposito, energy advisor to West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) and Peabody Energy Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Fred Palmer.
The conference will also include a luncheon presentation by Lt. Col. Daniel Millman, who conducted B-52 testing of Fischer-Tropsch fuels for the Air Force in 2006. Col. Millman will detail his experience flying aircraft powered by fuels made using the same process that will be used to produce domestic CTL fuels.
"The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition is proud to host this conference that will spotlight how CTL fuels can play a vital role in creating a new energy future for America," said National Mining Association President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz. "On behalf of the coalition, I urge those interested in learning how CTL fuels can put America on a path to energy independence to attend and learn more from leading military, industry, labor and government representatives on the many benefits offered by domestic CTL fuels."
To register and learn more about the conference, please visit: www.ctlconference2007.org or contact Corey Henry at chenry@futurecoalfuels.org.
Rep. Barton emphasizes need for domestic CTL fuels in House energy bill
House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Joe Barton (R-Texas) recently expressed dismay that the House of Representatives may soon consider energy legislation that does not contain incentives meant to jumpstart the production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels.
Speaking at an energy forum hosted by Congressional Quarterly, Barton stressed that coal is "our most abundant natural resource.and we ought to use it." Barton lamented that energy legislation the House could consider in the next two weeks as currently drafted is an "energy bill that has no energy in it."
Barton said that the abundance of coal in the U.S. is what makes CTL fuels "so attractive," saying "politically [CTL] has to be in the mix" if the House stands any chance of advancing comprehensive energy legislation.
John Ward, vice president of marketing and government affairs for Headwaters Inc., participated in a panel discussion with representatives from leading energy producing and using organizations and detailed how congressional support for CTL fuels is needed to begin reducing America's growing reliance on oil imported from unstable parts of the world.
Headwaters Inc. is a member of the Coal-to-Liquids Coalition (CTLC) and is actively engaged in efforts to construct the first fleet of CTL facilities in the United States.
Ward also noted that the construction and operation of domestic CTL facilities will create thousands of new, high-paying jobs across the nation. He stressed that domestically made CTL fuels will help reduce the flow of billions of dollars American consumers send to hostile and unstable nations.
In addition, Ward stressed that federal studies have demonstrated that in comparison to the fuels they will replace, CTL fuels will be as clean, or cleaner, in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, while substantially reducing emissions of harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter
"On behalf of the CTLC, I want to thank John Ward and Rep. Barton for so clearly making the case for federal support of incentives that would accelerate domestic CTL production and help put America on the road to energy independence," said National Mining Association President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz. "America's future economic prosperity and national security hinge on allowing domestic CTL fuels to lead the way toward breaking our addiction to foreign oil."
DOE highlights need for domestic CTL fuels in Sacramento Bee
A senior U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) official earlier this month emphasized the urgent need to begin production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels, citing the energy security and environmental gains America can realize through production and use of domestic CTL fuels.
"Energy security means having reliable, affordable and environmentally sound sources of energy available largely from domestic sources," wrote Lowell Miller, director of DOE's Office of Sequestration, Hydrogen and Clean Coal Fuels in a July 13 Sacramento Bee opinion piece. "Coal fits the bill."
As crude oil prices appear likely to remain in the $50-60 range for the foreseeable future, "coal-derived fuels can provide a highly competitive and clean supplement to oil-derived fuels, substantially reducing the need for imported oil and thereby increasing energy security," said Miller.
"The chemical-industrial process for extracting ultra-clean diesel fuel, jet fuel and other products from coal has been around for decades, but only in recent years have advances in technology and the steep increase in the price of oil combined to make "coal-to-liquids" an attractive part of the solution to our pressing energy security and environmental concerns," wrote Miller.
Miller noted that a recent report from the National Coal Council estimates that America's coal supply could produce 2.6 million barrels per day of coal-derived fuels and highlighted that the Air Force has already "successfully tested blends of coal-derived jet fuel in its planes."
Miller emphasized that technological innovations are helping to make coal use increasingly clean. "Carbon sequestration and other emissions-reduction technologies can be applied to coal-to-liquids plants, and the primary product, ultra-clean diesel fuel, is far cleaner than any diesel fuel or gasoline in use today," Miller wrote.
As various legislative proposals have been and will continue to be considered on Capitol Hill, Miller said efforts are under across the country to begin constructing the first fleet of CTL plants. "While the legislative wheels grind, developers are working on coal-to-liquids plans with the governors and governments of Alaska, Montana, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Louisiana."
Miller also noted that America's economic competitors are racing ahead with plans to produce CTL fuels. "China.expects to be producing 20,000 barrels of fuel daily from its first coal-to-liquids plant before the year is out," said Miller. "When planned expansion is complete, the plant will produce 200,000 barrels of fuel a day. This is only the first shot in a massive, $127 billion coal liquefaction campaign by the Chinese." Miller also pointed to CTL production plans in Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand and noted that India's government is actively studying CTL fuel production.
A complete copy of Miller's opinion piece is available here.
House approves bill funding Ohio CTL studies
The U.S. House of Representatives last week approved a fiscal year 2008 appropriations bill that contains $2.25 million to study the technologies that could be used by a CTL plant Baard Energy plans on constructing in southeast Ohio.
A total of $1 million has been set aside to support a carbon sequestration scoping study meant to identify major geologic sites in Ohio suitable for underground carbon dioxide storage, while another $250,000 would be used to study the carbon life cycle of coal-based transportation fuel. The remaining $1 million would finance a northeastern Ohio pipeline study.
Construction of the Baard facility is expected to result in 4,000 jobs over the four years of expected construction and generate $31 million in income southeast Ohio.
Peabody Energy considering CTL plant in western Kentucky
Platts Coal Trader reported on July 6 that a CTL project under consideration by Peabody Energy for construction in Union County, Ky., is in the "very preliminary" stages, with its future likely to be decided by the results of a soon-to-be completed feasibility study.
Platts reported that the $3 billion plant would produce about 30,000 barrels of transportation fuels daily, with operations beginning in 2012 or 2013.
Kevin Sheilley, president and CEO of Northwest Kentucky Forward, told Platts that the office of Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher has given Peabody $400,000 for the feasibility study, with Peabody expected to contribute another $1 million. For now, no completion date for the study has been set.
The Peabody CTL plant is one of seven clean-coal projects proposed for the region, according to Sheilley, most of which would produce transportation fuels or synthetic natural gas.
Become a CTL grassroots supporter
The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition is working to build a strong network of grassroots supporters willing to contact federal and state lawmakers to voice their support for measures meant to spur the domestic production of affordable, clean-burning CTL fuels. CTL grassroots supporters can include company employees, union members, retirees, their families, friends and others spread across the country who share a personal stake in the successful launch of a domestic CTL industry.
The coming months are likely to see continued congressional CTL activity; a time in which a robust CTL grassroots network can be an invaluable tool in helping to increase the bipartisan support for legislation designed to jumpstart the production of ultra-clean CTL fuels.
To become a grassroots supporter visit: http://www.capitolconnect.com/futurecoalfuels/.
As CTL fuel developments transpire in 2007, be sure to regularly visit FutureCoalFuels.org for the latest news and information and learn how you can help strengthen America's energy future.
If you wish to unsubscribe from the CTL update e-mail service, please click here. _______________________________________________ EC mailing list EC@osenergy.org http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec
EC mailing list EC@osenergy.org http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec
We could probably get a whole lot of people out for this, esp. since it is in Beckley and so convenient to the coalfields. If you get something organized, I'll put this on the Friends of the Mountains list and invite Coal River Mountain Watch, Mountain Justice Summer and OVEC people to come. These groups are very concerned about Rahall's support for CTL.
Regina
Grubb, Karen wrote:
This is a possibly as the ExCom will have a meeting August 11 in Lewisburg. I could possibly stay over at my brother's in Renick.
Karen
-----Original Message----- From: ec-bounces@osenergy.org [mailto:ec-bounces@osenergy.org] On Behalf Of James Kotcon Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007 9:06 AM To: ec@osenergy.org; Glen Besa Subject: [EC] Fwd: Fw: July 25 FutureCoalFuels.org Update
Anybody want to go to Beckley to picket this event? With the right preparation, we might get a lot of press to help nip this industry in the bud. At a minimum, they should know that there is opposition, even in West Virginia.
JBK
"Donald Strimbeck" dcsoinks@comcast.net 7/25/2007 11:05 AM >>>
Untitled Donald C. Strimbeck, Secretary Upper Monongahela River Association Incorporated 109 Broad Street, P.O. Box 519 Granville, WV 26534-0519 304-599-7585 (Fax:4131) Email: dcsoinks@comcast.net http://www.uppermon.org http://www.monriversummit.org
----- Original Message ----- From: info futurecoalfuels To: dcsoinks@comcast.net Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:15 AM Subject: July 25 FutureCoalFuels.org Update
FutureCoalFuels.org Update July 25, 2007
In this update:
Coal-to-Liquids Coalition to host major CTL conference in WestVirginia
Rep. Barton emphasizes need for domestic CTL fuels in Houseenergy bill
DOE highlights need for domestic CTL fuels in Sacramento Bee House approves bill funding Ohio CTL studies Peabody Energy considering CTL plant in western Kentucky Become a CTL grassroots supporter
Coal-to-Liquids Coalition to host major CTL conference in West Virginia
The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition will host a major conference Aug. 14-15 in Beckley, W.Va., that will highlight the significant energy security, economic and environmental benefits America stands to gain by jumpstarting production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels.
The conference will feature the latest information on the outlook for domestically produced CTL fuels by U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman John Murtha (D-Pa.) U.S. Air Force Undersecretary Dr. Ronald M. Sega, Assistant Air Force Secretary William Anderson, as well as presentations from leading industry, financial and labor experts. Among the speakers scheduled to participate in the conference are United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts, Pat Esposito, energy advisor to West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) and Peabody Energy Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Fred Palmer.
The conference will also include a luncheon presentation by Lt. Col. Daniel Millman, who conducted B-52 testing of Fischer-Tropsch fuels for the Air Force in 2006. Col. Millman will detail his experience flying aircraft powered by fuels made using the same process that will be used to produce domestic CTL fuels.
"The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition is proud to host this conference that will spotlight how CTL fuels can play a vital role in creating a new energy future for America," said National Mining Association President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz. "On behalf of the coalition, I urge those interested in learning how CTL fuels can put America on a path to energy independence to attend and learn more from leading military, industry, labor and government representatives on the many benefits offered by domestic CTL fuels."
To register and learn more about the conference, please visit: www.ctlconference2007.org or contact Corey Henry at chenry@futurecoalfuels.org.
Rep. Barton emphasizes need for domestic CTL fuels in House energy bill
House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Joe Barton (R-Texas) recently expressed dismay that the House of Representatives may soon consider energy legislation that does not contain incentives meant to jumpstart the production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels.
Speaking at an energy forum hosted by Congressional Quarterly, Barton stressed that coal is "our most abundant natural resource.and we ought to use it." Barton lamented that energy legislation the House could consider in the next two weeks as currently drafted is an "energy bill that has no energy in it."
Barton said that the abundance of coal in the U.S. is what makes CTL fuels "so attractive," saying "politically [CTL] has to be in the mix" if the House stands any chance of advancing comprehensive energy legislation.
John Ward, vice president of marketing and government affairs for Headwaters Inc., participated in a panel discussion with representatives from leading energy producing and using organizations and detailed how congressional support for CTL fuels is needed to begin reducing America's growing reliance on oil imported from unstable parts of the world.
Headwaters Inc. is a member of the Coal-to-Liquids Coalition (CTLC) and is actively engaged in efforts to construct the first fleet of CTL facilities in the United States.
Ward also noted that the construction and operation of domestic CTL facilities will create thousands of new, high-paying jobs across the nation. He stressed that domestically made CTL fuels will help reduce the flow of billions of dollars American consumers send to hostile and unstable nations.
In addition, Ward stressed that federal studies have demonstrated that in comparison to the fuels they will replace, CTL fuels will be as clean, or cleaner, in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, while substantially reducing emissions of harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter
"On behalf of the CTLC, I want to thank John Ward and Rep. Barton for so clearly making the case for federal support of incentives that would accelerate domestic CTL production and help put America on the road to energy independence," said National Mining Association President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz. "America's future economic prosperity and national security hinge on allowing domestic CTL fuels to lead the way toward breaking our addiction to foreign oil."
DOE highlights need for domestic CTL fuels in Sacramento Bee
A senior U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) official earlier this month emphasized the urgent need to begin production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels, citing the energy security and environmental gains America can realize through production and use of domestic CTL fuels.
"Energy security means having reliable, affordable and environmentally sound sources of energy available largely from domestic sources," wrote Lowell Miller, director of DOE's Office of Sequestration, Hydrogen and Clean Coal Fuels in a July 13 Sacramento Bee opinion piece. "Coal fits the bill."
As crude oil prices appear likely to remain in the $50-60 range for the foreseeable future, "coal-derived fuels can provide a highly competitive and clean supplement to oil-derived fuels, substantially reducing the need for imported oil and thereby increasing energy security," said Miller.
"The chemical-industrial process for extracting ultra-clean diesel fuel, jet fuel and other products from coal has been around for decades, but only in recent years have advances in technology and the steep increase in the price of oil combined to make "coal-to-liquids" an attractive part of the solution to our pressing energy security and environmental concerns," wrote Miller.
Miller noted that a recent report from the National Coal Council estimates that America's coal supply could produce 2.6 million barrels per day of coal-derived fuels and highlighted that the Air Force has already "successfully tested blends of coal-derived jet fuel in its planes."
Miller emphasized that technological innovations are helping to make coal use increasingly clean. "Carbon sequestration and other emissions-reduction technologies can be applied to coal-to-liquids plants, and the primary product, ultra-clean diesel fuel, is far cleaner than any diesel fuel or gasoline in use today," Miller wrote.
As various legislative proposals have been and will continue to be considered on Capitol Hill, Miller said efforts are under across the country to begin constructing the first fleet of CTL plants. "While the legislative wheels grind, developers are working on coal-to-liquids plans with the governors and governments of Alaska, Montana, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Louisiana."
Miller also noted that America's economic competitors are racing ahead with plans to produce CTL fuels. "China.expects to be producing 20,000 barrels of fuel daily from its first coal-to-liquids plant before the year is out," said Miller. "When planned expansion is complete, the plant will produce 200,000 barrels of fuel a day. This is only the first shot in a massive, $127 billion coal liquefaction campaign by the Chinese." Miller also pointed to CTL production plans in Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand and noted that India's government is actively studying CTL fuel production.
A complete copy of Miller's opinion piece is available here.
House approves bill funding Ohio CTL studies
The U.S. House of Representatives last week approved a fiscal year 2008 appropriations bill that contains $2.25 million to study the technologies that could be used by a CTL plant Baard Energy plans on constructing in southeast Ohio.
A total of $1 million has been set aside to support a carbon sequestration scoping study meant to identify major geologic sites in Ohio suitable for underground carbon dioxide storage, while another $250,000 would be used to study the carbon life cycle of coal-based transportation fuel. The remaining $1 million would finance a northeastern Ohio pipeline study.
Construction of the Baard facility is expected to result in 4,000 jobs over the four years of expected construction and generate $31 million in income southeast Ohio.
Peabody Energy considering CTL plant in western Kentucky
Platts Coal Trader reported on July 6 that a CTL project under consideration by Peabody Energy for construction in Union County, Ky., is in the "very preliminary" stages, with its future likely to be decided by the results of a soon-to-be completed feasibility study.
Platts reported that the $3 billion plant would produce about 30,000 barrels of transportation fuels daily, with operations beginning in 2012 or 2013.
Kevin Sheilley, president and CEO of Northwest Kentucky Forward, told Platts that the office of Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher has given Peabody $400,000 for the feasibility study, with Peabody expected to contribute another $1 million. For now, no completion date for the study has been set.
The Peabody CTL plant is one of seven clean-coal projects proposed for the region, according to Sheilley, most of which would produce transportation fuels or synthetic natural gas.
Become a CTL grassroots supporter
The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition is working to build a strong network of grassroots supporters willing to contact federal and state lawmakers to voice their support for measures meant to spur the domestic production of affordable, clean-burning CTL fuels. CTL grassroots supporters can include company employees, union members, retirees, their families, friends and others spread across the country who share a personal stake in the successful launch of a domestic CTL industry.
The coming months are likely to see continued congressional CTL activity; a time in which a robust CTL grassroots network can be an invaluable tool in helping to increase the bipartisan support for legislation designed to jumpstart the production of ultra-clean CTL fuels.
To become a grassroots supporter visit: http://www.capitolconnect.com/futurecoalfuels/.
As CTL fuel developments transpire in 2007, be sure to regularly visit FutureCoalFuels.org for the latest news and information and learn how you can help strengthen America's energy future.
If you wish to unsubscribe from the CTL update e-mail service, please click here. _______________________________________________ EC mailing list EC@osenergy.org http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec
-
Grubb, Karen -
Regina Hendrix -
Stephen M. Walker