Energy coalition brings conservative view to energy discussion
There is a new kid on the energy block in the Keystone State.
Pennsylvania Conservative Energy Forum, a coalition of conservative energy proponents, launched during a news conference Thursday morning. The group supports the use of a full portfolio of energy sources – including coal – that would benefit the economy, grid and national security while conserving natural resources in the state. Providing a conservative voice on energy policy is one of its major objectives.
“Historically, conservatives have led our country’s efforts to protect and preserve our natural resources,” said Chad Forcey, executive director of PennCEF, which is made up of business, community and faith leaders.
“When it comes to the energy debate, the issue has become polarizing and is often dominated by the left. We founded PennCEF because we believe an all-of-the-above approach to energy policy is key to the future success of our state, nation and world.”
That “all-of-the-above” approach stresses the need for clean, renewable sources and encourages the development of technologies that can enhance energy efficiency. But it also includes the other elements of the energy spectrum.
PennCEF acknowledges on its website, which also started up Thursday, that the Keystone State “has a long history of fossil fuel extraction.” It pointed out that the state is No. 2 nationally in electricity and natural gas production, and No. 4 in coal production.
Coal, of course, is the most notorious item in the energy toolbox, the box cutter left open. But that fossil fuel, infamous for its carbon emissions, got a little love at the news conference – from a former Pittsburgher.
“I grew up in a home heated by coal,” said Jim Seif, one of nine members of PennCEF’s leadership council and former secretary of the state Department of Environmental Protection. He served during the Ridge administration.
“I think it should always have a place, if you have accessible coal and if it’s for the right user. You can pick a fight with the environmental issues, but there are issues with wind turbines and how much space solar panels take.
“I think it will find itself in difficult economic circumstances, but I say ‘Let coal compete.'”
It is a competitive field, one that shouldn’t exclude any energy source, said Seif, who is now a consultant and board member of BioChem Technology, a manufacturing firm based in King of Prussia, near Philadelphia.
“Pennsylvania is a national leader in energy. We want to increase the use of wind, solar, biomass and other clean technologies so that Pennsylvania becomes a leader for the all-of-the-above category, as well.”
The Rev. Mitch Hescox, president and CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network – a nondenominational organization – serves on the council with Seif. Hescox grew up in Cambria County, where both of his late grandfathers were coal miners who eventually suffered from black lung disease. He reflected on why the name Pennsylvania Conservative Energy Forum is appropriate.
“As citizens and people of faith,” he said, “we are celebrating the word ‘conserve,’ which is inherent in the word ‘conservative.’ This is the land God gave us, and we want to make it more productive so that it lasts for the future.”