As the Executive Director of the International Climate Science Coalition, a non-partisan organization based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, I am writing in response to “New Mexico lawmakers question utility’s exit from coal” (Herald, July 20) to agree with New Mexico lawmakers who want to protect American jobs and provide energy-intensive industries with an affordable and reliable supply of energy that only coal can provide.
The Public Service Company of New Mexico’s proposal to phase out the use of coal-fired electricity is contrary to the current resurgence of coal, thanks largely to federal deregulation. Coal will be the top fuel source for the generation of electricity in America this year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s monthly “Short Term Energy Outlook.”
Additionally, the National Mining Association reported recently that the amount of coal used to generate electricity in the U.S. jumped by 23 percent in March alone, providing even more affordable electricity to homes and businesses across America.
I wish that Canada would follow President Trump’s lead, and allow consumers to decide what energy source to use through the free market. Trying to close down the coal industry or increase the cost of electricity for homes and businesses, due to exaggerated climate change concerns, makes no sense.
Tom Harris
Ottawa
