Heitkamp, Manchin, Donnelly, Warner to Keynote Coal Technology Symposium

Press Release

U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), and Mark Warner (D-VA) will continue their efforts to find a viable path forward for coal when they present at the Coal Technology Symposium next month.

The event, sponsored by the University of North Dakota and West Virginia University, will be held from 1-6 p.m. on March 5 in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Room in Washington, D.C.

At the symposium, in addition to presentations from the Senators, leading experts from government, industry, academia, and environmental groups will present updates on current and near-term technology options for coal-based power. Panel sessions will cover topics such as the existing coal fleet and energy-efficient technologies; carbon capture, utilization, and storage; international collaboration; and coal's critical role in our future energy mix.

"We are at a critical moment for the future of coal-fired power, and this symposium will allow us to bring together a variety of folks who work with coal in different capacities to discuss workable solutions for the future," said Heitkamp. "Coal provides good-paying jobs in our state and many others, and offers affordable electricity for residents and businesses across North Dakota and the country. Coal-fired power keeps the lights on and electricity affordable. It is imperative that we work together to find a path forward for coal and make sure this reliable, abundant energy source is readily available for families across the country."

"It is encouraging that experts from government, industry, environmental groups and the academic field will be coming together to have an open and realistic dialogue about America's energy future. With the end goal of trying to achieve energy independence within a generation and keep energy prices affordable, it is essential to use all of our domestic resources at our disposal, and that includes coal. Coal is currently our most abundant, affordable and reliable energy source and provides the greatest share of electricity we use, generating around 40 percent of our electricity. That is why we must continue to invest in clean coal technologies with reasonable and obtainable standards. I look forward to this discussion at next week's Coal Technology Symposium," said Manchin.

"Coal provides affordable and reliable energy for Hoosier families and businesses and plays a vital role in an all-in approach to our nation's energy policy. Taking advantage of the coal resources in Indiana and across our country brings us one step closer to securing American energy independence, while at the same time creating jobs right here at home. I'm pleased to be a part of what I hope is a productive and educational symposium on how new technologies are making coal energy production increasingly clean and efficient," said Donnelly.

"It's critical that we bring together folks from environmental groups, business groups, academia and the industry to talk about how we keep America competitive in energy, especially in coal," Warner said. "More research and development of clean coal technologies by government and industry, as part of a portfolio approach to energy, will allow us to work toward greater independence and a more vibrant economy. I'm honored to participate and I look forward to this important symposium."