Pennsylvania’s WPSU: PA’s coal-to-liquid producers lose out in new energy bill

Below find the raw script behind Matt Laslo’s feature for Pennsylvania’s WPSU NPR member station.

Suggested host intro: Last week (Thursday the 22nd) the Senate passed expansive energy legislation. Pennsylvania lost out in billions of dollars in loans for coal-to-liquid producers. But, as Matt Laslo reports, that doesn’t mean the technology will fade away. 

NARR: Both of Pennsylvania’s senators supported coal to liquid. That is the process where refiners turn coal into liquid fuel, to run your car. Democratic Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey says coal supporters have some work to do to get the legislation passed.

CASEY1-CONVINCE

I think there are still people that have to be convinced that you can do it in a way that is environmentally friendly. And that’s a big hurdle, so I think maybe some other work involving hearings and outreach might be needed to get it through next time

It is mainly Democrats that oppose the technology. Instead they pushed bills to expand renewable fuels and to boost car mileage standards. Environmental groups accuse coal to liquid of being bad for the environment. Earth Day Network’s Laurie Howell held up a piece of coal at a recent rally across from the Capitol. She says so-called “clean coal” is a misnomer…

ACT1(Howell1)(8.5): “It’s being billed as clean technology, but it’s not. Even to be billed a cleaner technology is not true, its effects on water alone, make it not a green technology.”

Corey Henry is a spokesperson for the Coal to Liquid Coalition, a lobbying group for coal producers. He says this technology is great for coal states like Pennsylvania.  

CTL1-OHIO

:14 For a coal producing state you’re talking about more jobs for people to mine the coal and more jobs for people to build and work at the plants were this fuel would be produced, so you are talking about significant economic benefits and contributions

Henry says the production of coal to liquid plants will still go forward. The industry will just have to do it alone – without federal support. Democratic West Virginia Congressman Nick Rahall is chairman of the Natural Resources Committee. He says the industry needs a hand.

RAHALL1-COST

:10 It needs some incentives to attract financial investors to build the expensive plants. The bottom line is cost.

Democratic Abingdon Congressman Rick Boucher is the chairman of the House Energy and Air Quality subcommittee. He has helped craft an energy package the House will vote on after the July fourth recess. Included in that is increased efficiency standards for light bulbs, dishwashers, and buildings. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pulled the coal to liquid provision. Boucher is going along with the plan.

BOUCHER1-TWO MONTHS

:15 The Speaker has requested that we take some of the more controversial aspects of the legislation and instead of considering them this month consider them in two months when we will be crafting a comprehensive green house gas control program

House Democrats are upset that increased mileage standards for cars were removed. But Republicans are hot. They won’t be able to vote on expanding oil drilling or coal to liquids this time around.

PETERSON1-MISTAKE

:02 I think it’s a terrible mistake

Republican Pleasantville Congressman John Peterson says some lawmakers aren’t paying attention to the rising prices of energy.

PETERSON2-URGENT

I don’t know how expensive energy has to get before some members of the house and senate get serious about this issue. When are we gonna get a sense of urgency over here.

Peterson says it’s hard to convince fellow lawmakers to support coal to liquid, but that doesn’t stop him. 

PETERSON3-preachin

:02 Preachin and teachin every day

Democratic leaders know what energy legislation will easily pass and what will bring a heated debate. So until the fall, coal to liquid technology is on hold.  And so is a potential new market for Pennsylvania coal.

From Capitol Hill, Matt Laslo, WPSU News.