According to the September 1, 2010, Internet report “U.S. Energy Consumption by Energy Source-2009,” (http://www.eia.doe.gov/energy_in_brief/renewable_energy.cfm,) America consumed a tremendous amount of electricity in that year.

Of that amount, 37 percent was produced from petroleum, 25 percent from natural gas, 21 percent from coal, 9 percent from nuclear and 8 percent from renewable sources.

Nine percent of the 8 percent renewable came from wind and 1 percent came from solar.

Consider that the cost of electricity produced by petroleum and natural gas is subject to every revolution that occurs in the Middle East. When they start fighting over there, we pay higher prices over here. On the lower end, we are scared to death of nuclear power.

We’ve heard of nuclear “accidents” and nobody wants that. And while there is a lot of talk nowadays about wind and solar power sources, solar doesn’t have a chance and wind is just a drop in the bucket when compared to other sources.

Also, producing electricity from these sources is more expensive, but is appealing due to the federal tax incentives offered for start-up.

To go a step further, look at what has happened in Hawaii and California. In these ideal areas for wind power, many wind farms there have fallen in disrepair when the government money dried up. Think about it.

So what is left? Plain and simple, it is COAL. It is that proven source that keeps the lights on in the heart of America.

Even though the current administration, OSM and the EPA would like to abolish coal mining, coal is a very precious resource to our country and to our way of life.

It is a big part of this nation’s power!

Accordingly, I ask all Tribune readers to contact your elected officials and let them know America needs coal and our miners need to continue mining it!

John F. Enyart

Ashland, Ky.