2221 S. Clark Street   Arlington, VA  22202

May 8, 2017

The Hon. Rick Perry
Secretary
U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC  20585

Dear Secretary Perry,

In a time of rapid technological advancement as well as increasing market volatility, we as American energy consumers believe that competitive markets provide people with the power to choose the energy options that are right for them.

For the past eight years, the Obama Administration’s War on Coal inflicted severely restrictive policies on U.S. industry, leading to mass closures of American businesses, including coal mines and production plants, resulting in the loss of more than 200,000 jobs. We congratulate your efforts in promising to put America and American energy first, but more is still to be done.

With over a quarter of the world’s coal reserves, America has both a longstanding history and strong economic asset in the generation of power fueled by coal. American technology has advanced breakthrough innovations such as Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technology, groundbreaking improvements in coal power generation technology that promises cleaner applications of coal production and use domestically and globally. The usage of High Efficiency Low Emission (HELE) technologies offers America – as well countries around the globe – a reliable and affordable clean energy future, which will positively impact our economy, global trade, and the development of newer technologies at lower cost.

Given the recent focus on upcoming meetings between President Trump and heads of state such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we wanted to raise the issue of strengthening American energy development and choice with you personally. India is actively seeking energy partners to assist in developing their energy sector.

We urge you to help ensure energy consumers have access to affordable and reliable energy by taking a proactive role in supporting the growth of American HELE technology and opposing the IMF/World Bank’s ban on coal. Promoting clean coal technology supports economic growth in developing countries and creates jobs at home in America. Market expansion and greater choice are good for consumers and good for the American economy. Secretary Perry, please help ensure American energy consumers are poised for cleaner, efficient, cost effective energy choices.

Sincerely,

Consumer Action for a Strong Economy