While we were out shopping, struggling to find that perfect last-minute Christmas gift, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on 12-22-11 what they were giving us.

And, unlike the commercial about some product that keeps on giving, the EPA gift is one that keeps on taking.

For their gift involves the requirement that every coal and oil fired power plant in this nation must reduce their emissions, in the next 3 or 4 years, to no more than the cleanest 12 percent of plants currently producing electricity.

So what, you ask. Here in eastern Kentucky, our power plant will continue to run on coal, which is good for our overall economy, but our electric bills will increase by 31 percent by the middle of 2016, due to the addition of scrubbers to reduce air pollution.

You, the readers of The Tribune will face a similar situation; this action will be devastating to many people in America.

So what can be done? Coal is presently supplying 45 percent of this nation’s power. We need to keep it that way. The current administration is out of touch with we, the people. A change in 2012 may be what we need.

John F. Enyart

Ashland, Ky.

 

Coal mining industry vital to our nation’s growth

This is in response to the letter about coal mining/miners written by Denis G. Lambert.

The coal mining industry employs 174,000 people in the United States: 47,475 underground miners, 35,398 surface miners and 60,000 coal-fired plant employees.

Concerning fatalities, more people are killed at home by falling from ladders. Fatalities in the U.S. coal mining industry, according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor (MSHA): 2011 — 23; 2010— 48; 2009— 18; 2008-30; 2007— 34.

A two hundred year supply of coal is left for mining capability. Due to EPA regulations, scrubbers are being installed on all coal-fired power plants in and effort to reduce or eliminate emissions.

The pay rate has gone from $18 per hour in 2006 up to $27-plus today. Employment has risen 3.5 percent.

And yes, we do need to find other sources of energy; but until it is efficient and available, we need to support coal and the men and women that put it all on the line in long hours and dangerous conditions so that we may turn the lights on and read articles such as this.

It is my opinion that if you don’t believe, then read by candle light.

Wayne Jordan

Ironton