Alan B. Mollohan: “Nearly 70 percent of the electricity generated in the United States today is fueled by a combination of coal, oil and…”

“Nearly 70 percent of the electricity generated in the United States today is fueled by a combination of coal, oil and natural gas. These traditional fuels are abundant, particularly coal, which accounts for 90 percent of our Nation's energy reserves. At current rates of consumption, the United States has enough coal to last throughout the next 2 centuries, and that is just here in the United States. Coal generates nearly 40 percent of all electricity worldwide, a number that is growing as we stand here and debate this issue. Here are the facts, Mr. Chairman. We have an abundant supply of coal. It is responsible for over half of the energy generated in this country, and its use is going to increase here in this country and worldwide. The only question that remains is are we or are we not going to make it cleaner? Now, let me just emphasize that. We are going to use more coal in this country and worldwide. The only question that remains is are we going to make it cleaner and cleaner, which I support and every Member that represents a coal region in this Nation supports. That is why we support the Clean Coal Technology Program, because we want it to become cleaner and cleaner.”