US governors pushing alternative energy development are not shying from coal, a major culprit in global warming but also a homegrown energy source and an economic lifeline for many states.
Leaders of coal-rich states say "clean-coal" technology is a must. Governors from states without coal want more evidence the technology works.
"There's no doubt there's a tension and there's no doubt there is very rapidly growing public opposition to coal," Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle said.
His state relies heavily on coal for power although Wisconsin is not a coal producer.
Energy tops the agenda at the governors' annual winter meeting. The group's new clean energy initiative seeks to promote renewable fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel and reducing carbon emissions.
"Next-generation coal is going to need to continue to be part of our energy future for this country," said Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, chairman of the National Governors Association.
"It is abundant, it is available, it is Americanized in the sense that we control the supply," he said on Saturday. "We would be incomplete and doing a disservice to the debate and the ultimate policy direction that we're going to take if we don't envision coal being part of that."
Next-generation coal typically refers to capturing and somehow sequestering or storing the carbon that coal produces. It also envisions reducing or eliminating emissions as coal is burned.
Pawlenty has embraced renewable fuels such as corn-based ethanol and conservation, but he also promotes clean-coal technology.
Such technology is a rallying cry for many coal-producing states. They say it is possible to continue relying on the fossil fuel while minimizing its impact on the environment.
Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell envisions an economic turnaround if clean-coal takes off.
"Coal states would be back in business big time," said Rendell, the association's vice chairman.
The chairmen of two of the country's biggest power companies urged governors not to dismiss coal, calling it the country's most abundant energy resource.
"We cannot ignore coal, we cannot demonize coal," said Thomas Farrell, chairman of Richmond, Virginia-based Dominion Resources Inc.
Michael Morris, chairman of Columbus, Ohio-based American Electric Power Co, said "the whole notion of delegitimizing coal is something we should all be frightened of."
Maine Governor John Baldacci said he needed to hear more before he would include clean-coal technology among the promising energy ideas for the country. His state promotes renewable energy produced through wind, solar and even tides.
"You have to deal with the coal states, but I don't think you want them doing more of what they're doing until they change what they're doing and make it truly the next generation," he said in an interview. "Not just say clean-coal technology, but really do clean-coal technology."
Proponents say all energy sources have their problems. The key, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer said, is a national energy policy with many options and sources.
Coal "has a carbon dioxide problem, wind has a reliability problem, solar has a price problem, nukes have a price and radiation problem," Schweitzer said.
"What I can say about coal, is we have it. We have it in a greater supply than anyplace else on the planet," he said.
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