| (Magnolia, Ark.) U.S. Rep. Mike Ross (AR-04) Friday teamed up with Southern Arkansas University to host a conference to look into the future development of lignite coal in South Arkansas. The conference brought together experts in the field and community leaders to discuss and develop strategies for the eventual utilization of this domestic resource.
"Everyday in the United States, we consume approximately 21 million barrels of oil, of which 12 million are imported," Ross said. "Therefore, we must decrease our dependence on foreign oil and increase our energy security by investing in domestic energy sources. Coal is our nation’s most affordable and abundant domestic energy resource. Our nation has a 250 year supply of coal and it accounts for more than 50 percent of our electricity generated. I strongly believe that due to the abundance of lignite coal we have right here in South Arkansas, we as a nation need to invest in research and development to recover lignite in a cost effective and environmentally friendly manner."
Arkansas contains approximately nine billion tons of lignite coal which is not currently being utilized. Although current technology makes extracting this important energy source cost prohibitive, Ross said that he believes we should begin developing responsible ways to utilize this energy source in an environmentally friendly manner.
"It is essential that we start now to plan for the extraction of lignite coal in South Arkansas, and develop the technologies to do so in an environmentally friendly manner that is both affordable and clean,” Ross said. “Just ten years ago, the technology didn't exist to recover natural gas from the Fayetteville Shale, and this energy source was thought to be out of reach. However, now the Fayetteville Shale is an example we should model our approach after so that the lignite coal throughout South Arkansas can also become a viable domestic energy resource for the future."
Ross is a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Committee where he plays a key role to help remedy our nation's energy crisis.
"With Americans facing increased utility costs and being forced to empty their wallet at the gas pumps, it is time to move towards policies that will put us on a path towards energy independence and increased energy security," Ross said. "As we continue the discussion of energy policy, whether it is in Arkansas or in Washington, I am committed to ensuring that America's most abundant energy resource, coal, is part of the solution to America's energy problems."
Panelists for the conference included representatives from the Arkansas Geological Commission, North American Coal Corporation, the Energy and Environmental Research Center, and Southern Arkansas University, among others.
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