As China Finalizes Coal-to-Liquid Plant, Capito Pushes for Strong US Effort

Statement

As China Finalizes Coal-to-Liquid Plant, Capito Pushes for Strong US Effort

Congresswoman Says US Must Not Fall Behind in Struggle for Energy Independence

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) released the following statement today, reacting to reports that the Chinese are poised to complete construction on the first coal-to-liquid plant built in nearly 40 years:

"In South Africa, and soon-to-be in China, other nation's have demonstrated a willingness to act on their needs for energy independence," said Capito. "This should only provide further evidence that we must finally get serious about investing in our own domestic resources - including West Virginia coal."

"There's no question that coal is just one of many tools for reaching energy security, but to continue our nation's under-investment in coal is simply not wise. West Virginia families deserve broad-based energy solutions that include coal, oil, natural gas and renewable energy supplies like wind or biomass."

"Legislation I introduced last month would be a good start. The Clean Coal-Derived Fuel for Energy Security Act would create a floor of demand for coal-to-liquid fuel and would lead to the annual production of 6 billion gallons of coal-based fuel by the year 2022. High energy costs are a national problem, but West Virginia can and should play a role in the solution."

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