Coal-state House members seek ‘unified voice’ with new caucus

A bipartisan group of six House members from coal-producing and coal-reliant states has formed a new caucus to “provide a voice for coal communities in Congress.”

The Congressional Coal Caucus comes as lawmakers consider climate and energy policies that will determine the future of the abundant resource. Coal supplies half the electricity in the U.S. but emits far more greenhouse gases than natural gas, nuclear power and renewable sources.

Lawmakers forming the caucus are: Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jason Altmire (D-Pa.), Tim Holden (D-Pa.), Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.), John Salazar (D-Colo.) and John Shimkus (R-Ill.).

Congress is considering measures including a cap-and-trade plan to impose greenhouse gas emissions limits and increased funding for developing carbon capture and sequestration.

“Coal is a critical component to our nation’s energy future,” Capito said in a prepared statement Monday. “Whether it’s on a cap-and-trade bill or on clean coal technology, this caucus will give coal-states a forum to highlight their priorities and present a unified voice.”

All six voted against the sweeping climate change and energy bill that the House approved 219-212 in June. The six initial members are asking other colleagues to join the new group.