April 18, 2007
 
Rahall: Key to Energy Independence Is Coal
 
By HNN Staff, from Rahall news release
 
Washington, DC (HNN) -- As America continues its quest to achieve energy independence, U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 participated in an energy security summit in Alexandria, Virginia, to discuss the role that alternative fuels - most notably, coal-to-liquids (CTL) - can play in reducing our nation's troubling dependence on foreign sources of oil.
 
The event, sponsored by the Southern States Energy Board, was hosted by West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin.
 
"There is no question that America's destiny is dangling over an oil barrel," Rahall said. "Our economic fortunes and our national security have been twisting in the wind on this particular rope for decades. So we have a choice to make -- we can continue relying on the fraying rope of expensive foreign oil from unstable sources. Or we can cut the cord and secure our future by rapidly gearing up production of liquid fuels from our own domestic resources."
 
As a leader in Congress on this issue, Rahall has sponsored legislation - H.R. 370, the Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Promotion Act of 2007 - which would pave the way for the rapid development and deployment of coal-to-liquid fuels.
 
These fuels create a type of clean-burning, high-performing synthetic fuel through various conversion processes, which involve gasifying and liquefying coal for use in existing engines. Efforts are already underway in West Virginia to develop a state-of-the-art CTL production plant.
 
"The time is ripe for our nation to aggressively pursue private-sector coal-to-liquids manufacturing opportunities," Rahall said. "If we do not, we will find ourselves running to catch up with other nations that are already further down in the road in their creation of a successful liquefied coal industry."
 
As well, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Defense Department's largest user of fuel, has recognized the consequences of our nation's intense oil addiction and is currently exploring the merits of using liquefied coal in its fleet. Rep. Rahall and the Air Force have been working together on these efforts, and are planning to bring together bright minds to spotlight this promising fuel at an upcoming conference in Southern West Virginia.
 
"Economic and security concerns, combined with the intense interest from the Department of Defense, the growing will of the public to make changes, and the expanding promise of modern technology, have brought us to a favorable energy nexus. If we will just wake up and seize this opportunity," Rahall said.
 
"We cannot afford to continue our dependence on foreign oil producers. The rope is fraying. It's time to take a leap of faith on coal."