NMA critiques “keep it in the ground” coal policy

The National Mining Association (NMA) opposed the Obama Administration’s “keep it in the ground” policy regarding coal-sourced fuel on Tuesday, which the NMA said would jeopardize America’s affordable access to energy.

“Keep fossil fuels in the ground policies are an assault on affordable power and a threat to communities across America,” NMA president and CEO Hal Quinn said. “Fossil fuels generate 67 percent of our nation’s electricity; wind and solar account for only 5.6 percent. That’s why keeping fossil fuels in the ground, and away from American consumers, needlessly threatens American communities, businesses and homes. A diverse mix of coal, natural gas, nuclear power, oil and renewable sources, ensures that electricity is reliable and affordable to all.”

Quinn made his statement during a hearing held by the U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, which sought testimonies from those impacted by the administration’s initiative to limit the use of fossil fuels. The administration recently proposed a three-year moratorium on the leasing of coal reserves on federal land – where almost half of the domestic coal supply lies.

Quinn said that the NMA applauds H.R. 5259, which seeks to limit the moratorium and support communities most impacted by the legislation. Quinn suggested that the U.S. continue to support its all-of-the-above energy policy that keeps energy affordable for all American citizens.