Published: July 31, 2008 10:34 pm      

Bush embraces coal

President says energy plan must include all sources

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS — President Bush made a stop Thursday at The Greenbrier, where he spoke before the West Virginia Coal Association regarding energy plans, one of which involves the use of coal.

Bush emphasized the importance of clean coal research, telling the audience coal is an important tool in efforts to ensure the country has a reliable supply of electricity.

“There’s no more reliable source of electricity than coal,” Bush said to applause, adding the country has an approximately 250-year supply of coal remaining.

Nuclear power, wind turbines and solar energy are also means by which Bush said electricity can be produced.

Nuclear Power 2010, designed to encourage the construction of new nuclear power plants in the United States, was launched in 2002, and Bush said 18 applications to build new reactors have been received and another seven are expected this year.

Also, Bush said, in 2007, more than 30 percent of the new electrical generating capacity in the country came from wind.

All of these tools, he said, are important in ensuring a reliable electricity source for years to come.

“We need a variety of sources of power in order to deal with the problems today,” he said, “and as importantly send the signal that the future is going to be viable for people, that there’s going to be plenty of electricity.”

The president also spoke of rising gasoline prices, a cause of increasing concern across the country.

Aside from conservation, which would lower the demand for oil, thus lowering the prices, Bush stressed the importance of increasing domestic production of oil.

“If you want to take the pressure off price,” he said, “we ought to be sending a signal that the United States is going to find oil right here in our own hemisphere.”

Bush suggested offshore drilling and tapping into oil shale, specifically in the Rocky Mountain region, as two methods with “huge potential” for the United States to secure its own oil.

Offshore drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf was banned by Congress in the early 1980s, but Bush said technology has come a long way since then, and new drilling methods would help ensure the drilling would not be harmful to the environment.

Bush applauded West Virginia lawmakers for supporting coal-to-liquids, adding he is also a strong supporter of the method which would convert coal to fuel.

“This has got a lot of potential to be able to help us in America diversify away from foreign oil,” he said. “I'm not sure how long it’s going to take, but don’t be surprised if technological breakthroughs don’t enable you to become gasoline producers.”

Also, he said, alternative energy sources using ethanol, biodiesel and hydrogen are also being explored.

“I’m talking about a comprehensive plan,” he said. “But it starts with being wise about our own resources and having confidence that technology will enable us to extract those resources that accomplishes several objectives: One, an efficient way to get the product to market; two, keeping our money here at home; and three, protecting the environment.

“And I’m confident we can do all three.”

Air Force One touched down at Greenbrier Valley Airport shortly after 10 a.m. Thursday.

In a steady rain, a smiling Bush exited the plane greeting local and state officials, including Secretary of State Betty Ireland.

Many braved the rain as they lined up along the U.S. 219 and Interstate 64, which were both shut down as the president’s motorcade passed.

Texas native Amy Reid, along with her son Tim and daughter Mary Clair, met the president in more comfortable conditions inside The Greenbrier.

“We enjoyed it,” said Amy Reid, who, with her family, now resides in Bridgeport. “We loved him as governor and we’ve enjoyed him as president.”

Bush supporter Roger Dahmer of Franklin in Pendleton County also expressed his admiration for the president.

“I wish he had four more years,” he said.

— E-mail: mjames@register-herald.com