Developing Kentucky's energy will provide financial security to families across the state. Kentucky is leading the way in domestic energy development and the industry holds tremendous potential to grow our economy, create middle-class jobs and lower energy costs for families across the state. But Washington's regulatory barriers and burdensome taxes threaten this critical development in Kentucky.
I strongly oppose President Obama's attack on Kentucky's energy industry. This Administration has taken direct aim at Kentucky's coal industry, crippling our state's largest source of domestic energy and threatening thousands of jobs. Washington Democrats and Republicans need to be realistic about what powers our nation and recognize that developing Kentucky's supplies of coal is crucial.
We must secure America's energy independence and reduce our dependence on Middle Eastern oil. Our nation's energy approach should rely heavily on coal, oil and natural gas, along with alternative sources of energy. Kentucky will lead this effort through continued coal production and exploration and development of natural gas. While our nation is running a $45 billion trade deficit, Kentucky's natural resources remain underdeveloped.[28] In 2011, Kentucky contributed 7 percent of the nation's total coal exports, but we can do more to develop these and other resources and reduce our trade deficit.[29]
[28] [AP, 7/3/13]
[29] [National Mining Association, 3/13]