(The Associated Press circulated the following on June 9.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A coal industry-backed group spent nearly $1.9 million lobbying in the first quarter as it fought congressional efforts to combat global warming through mandatory reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity lobbied against climate change legislation that was blocked last week by Senate Republicans on arguments that it would result in increased energy costs.
The group’s members include the corporate parent of Appalachian Power, Allegheny Energy — West Virginia’s largest electric utilities. Major West Virginia coal mine operators Consol Energy, Arch Coal Inc., and Foundation Coal Corp., as well as Natural Resource Partners, the largest private owner of coal reserves in the country, also are members.
Other members include railroads Norfolk Southern Co. and CSX Corp., as well as Duke Energy, First Energy Corp., and Southern Co.
Coal is a major source of carbon dioxide, the leading heat-trapping greenhouse gas linked to climate change.
The group also lobbied on funding for clean-coal power plants that would capture carbon emissions and permanently store them underground, according to a disclosure form filed April 21 with the House clerk’s office.
The Alexandria, Va.-based group was formed through the April merger of two coal industry-backed groups: Americans for Balanced Energy Choices and the Center for Energy and Economic Development.