Capito to Seek Energy Solutions with Coal-to-Liquids Legislation
Op-Ed
Capito to Seek Energy Solutions with Coal-to-Liquids Legislation
Rep. Capito unveils new coal-to-liquids legislation before reporters at a coal yard in Charleston on Tuesday. Capito's bill will mandate 6 billion gallons of coal-to-liquid fuel by the year 2022. She will introduce her legislation when Congress reconvenes next week.
Capito prepares to offer coal-to-liquids legislation next week
The Beckley Register-Herald
May 28, 2008
Mandatory production of 6 billion gallons of coal-to-liquids fuel by 2022 is the thrust of the proposed Clean Coal-Derived Fuels for Energy Security Act that Rep. Shelley Moore Capito intends to offer next week.
Coal can be converted into clean, zero-sulfur, synthetic fuel and oil products for nearly $35 to $45 a barrel, Capito, R-W.Va., said Tuesday.
This means that with the use of modern technology, a cheaper alternative to traditional crude oil, now going for nearly $135 a barrel, is possible, she said.
"West Virginians are feeling it at the gas station and they're feeling high gas prices in the spike in food costs," the 2nd District representative said.
"It's time for an all-hands-on-deck policy and coal must play a part in our energy solutions. Our nation's coal reserves are larger than the combined oil reserves of the rest of the world. We've seen enough excuses and it's time to get serious about coal-to-liquids."
Capito said her plan can lead to production of clean fuel on the home front that leads to more American jobs, "and it's the right thing to do for West Virginia."
An energy policy that expands domestic oil and natural gas exploration and embraces conservation efforts and investment is renewable energy technology is needed, she said.
"There is no single or easy solution to our nation's energy needs," Capito said.
"But without increased domestic production of energy, we will continue to subject ourselves to the massive fluctuations in global energy prices that have led prices to their record highs."
Capito Proposes Liquid Coal Bill
WCHS-ABC/FOX Television
Meredith Wood
May 27, 2008
To watch video of Capito's announcement click here.
Shelley Moore Capito is taking her influence to Washington and proposing a bill which would help jump start turning coal into liquid fuel. Capito wants to tap into one of West Virginia's biggest exports as a way to solve the gas price crisis.
Congresswomen Capito says, "It will be less expensive. It will use an abundance of natural resources we have here in our country and certainly in West Virginia."
Capito says its a technology already being used in South Africa, and transforming coal into liquid could help alleviate America's dependence on foreign oil. The bill would mandate 6 billion gallons of the fuel produced annually by 2022.
She will present a bill in the House Of Representatives next week.
Capito to seek ethanol-style mandate for coal-to-liquids
The Associated Press
May 27, 2008
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito wants Congress to mandate domestic production of 6 billion gallons of liquid fuel from coal annually by 2022.
The Republican congresswoman said Tuesday the requirement is part of legislation she plans to introduce next week.
"Our nation's coal reserves are larger than the combined oil reserves of the rest of the world. We've seen enough excuses and it's time to get serious about coal-to-liquids,'' Capito said in a statement. "The technology is there, but we've under-invested.''
The legislation is modeled on ethanol fuel targets already enacted by Congress and would require steady increases in the amount of aviation fuel, motor vehicle fuel, heating oil and boiler fuel sold in the U.S., Capito said.
Multiple sites in West Virginia are under consideration for coal-to-liquids plants, along with sites in Ohio, Kentucky and several other states.
While coal-to-liquids isn't used in the U.S., it's been around for decades. Germany relied on coal for liquid fuel during World War II and South Africa has long relied on coal for about 30 percent of its transportation fuel. More recently, China and other countries have been investing in coal-to-liquids technology.
Environmental groups oppose the idea. They contend the process could generate too much carbon dioxide and increase coal mining.
Capito, however, said modern technology can convert coal to clean, sulfur-free synthetic oil and fuel for about $35 to $45 a barrel.
Crude oil prices were hovering around $130 a barrel Tuesday.
"Coal-to-liquids can be clean, it can be produced domestically, it will create American jobs, it's economically viable and it's the right thing for West Virginia,'' Capito said.
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