NMA Calls for Reasonable Power Plant Rules to Strengthen the State Economy of Kansas as EPA Hosts 'Listening Session' on Carbon Emissions

Public and Stakeholder Input Critical to Kansas' Energy Future

LENEXA, Kan., Nov. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This week the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting Kansans to participate in one of 11 "listening sessions" that the agency is conducting around the country to solicit ideas about the best ways to reduce carbon emissions from existing coal-fired power plants.

These sessions will provide members of the public and other stakeholders in Kansas with the opportunity to help shape the policies that will determine the state's energy future. Because coal provides 62.5 percent of Kansas' electricity, the input produced by these meetings could have a profound impact on the cost of electricity for homes and businesses across the state and throughout the nation.

"Coal, along with natural gas, nuclear, and renewables, plays an important role in providing Kansas with an affordable and reliable supply of energy," Terry Jarrett, former commissioner at Missouri Public Service Commission said. "Coal-based power plants provide affordable electricity that benefits homes and businesses alike. New coal power plants using 'best in class' technologies available today provide the best opportunity to reduce emissions. It is important for Kansas to continue to enjoy a reliable supply of affordable electricity by preserving the state's attractive energy mix."

Regional coal-mining activities in 2011 supported 3,450 jobs in Kansas and contributed $396 million in direct and indirect economic contributions to the state. The affordable, reliable energy generated from coal also helped support 167, 217 manufacturing jobs in the state.

"The outcome of these listening sessions is critically important," National Mining Association President and CEO Hal Quinn said. "Thoughtful policies for existing power plants are needed, that support a diverse energy mix and which serve the public best. Flexibility is important," he added, "because each state's energy mix and energy needs are different. In Kansas, and elsewhere throughout the nation, it would be foolish to diminish the role of a plentiful resource like coal in our energy mix just as new technologies allow us to use it to generate electricity in way that addresses America's economic and environmental interests in a balanced fashion."

The listening sessions will be held on Monday, Nov. 4, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CST, US EPA Region 7 Offices, 11201 Renner Blvd., Lenexa, Kansas.

A fact sheet about coal mining in Kansas and the contributions to the state is available here.

The National Mining Association (NMA) is the voice of the American mining industry in Washington, D.C. Membership includes more than 325 corporations involved in all aspects of coal and solid minerals production including coal, metal and industrial mineral producers, mineral processors, equipment manufacturers, state mining associations, bulk transporters, engineering firms, consultants, financial institutions and other companies that supply goods and services to the mining industry.

Contact:
Nancy Gravatt
(202) 463-2642
[email protected]

Luke Popovich
(202) 463-2620
[email protected]

SOURCE National Mining Association

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