July 6, 2007: 'Balanced' Energy Group Promotes Coal, Not Climate Interests

Executive Director of Iowa Environmental Council responds to an editorial written by Executive Director of Americans for Balanced Energy Choices.

Des Moines Register
'Balanced' Energy Group Promotes Coal, Not Climate Interests
By Marian Riggs Gelb, Executive Director of Iowa Environmental Council
July 6, 2007 http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070706/OPINION04/707060357

Regarding the June 20 letter to the editor "Take Practical Approach To Dealing With Climate Change": Joe Lucas, executive director of Americans for Balanced Energy Choices (ABEC), says he fears regulation of global-warming emissions and suggests that coal needs to play a critical role in the future. It should be noted that ABEC was formed in 2000 to promote the interests of mining companies, coal transporters and coal-based electricity producers, so Lucas is invested in keeping coal in our future.

Yet Americans across political lines strongly support developing cleaner and more efficient energy systems in our region and in our nation. Through investment in American know-how and innovation, we can and will develop technologies, efficiencies and strategies that will lead the way to a clean energy future. Thanks to the foresight of Gov. Chet Culver and the Iowa lawmakers who supported bills that established an Iowa Power Fund Board and a Climate Change Advisory Council, Iowans will be able to tell their grandchildren that we did not stick our head in the sand when we had the opportunity to abate global warming.