HOPKINS COUNTY, KY (iSurfWKY Inc.) – There has been considerable talk lately over the possibilities of green energy replacing coal on a national level. The term “green” basically means environmentally safe. The already present debates on a political level over the subject have seemingly grown recently due to upcoming elections. From the perspective of Hopkins County residents, the majority of concern lies in the impact on the economy if Green energy becomes the main source.

Initially, from an economy standpoint, coal is a large source for jobs in Hopkins, Muhlenberg, and surrounding counties. Coal is mined in 26 states, and over two-thirds of the bulk coal is taken from Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Kentucky. This region is one of the main sources of coal on a national level, producing countless jobs for Kentucky residents. 

Research has also revealed that coal is the source of power for over half of all the power throughout the United States. In seventeen of the 26 states that are major producers of coal, state government has provided financial incentives to encourage cleaner coal usage technology. At the same time, coal plants are more affordable to build than alternative energy plants. Financially speaking, from an investment point of view, it seems that Coal power may be the way to go in today’s difficult economy.

From the job standpoint, losing coal power plants in our area could be financial suicide, according to many coal advocates. Currently in the state of Kentucky coal mines alone employ almost 18,000 people. The impact of that many jobs lost could possibly be catastrophic to the local economy. Will green win out over coal? The opinions of environmental groups would tell you yes, but their opinions aren't the only ones being heard at the moment.

Candidate for the office of Mayor of Madisonville, Dave Jackson, stated that he believes that coal is actually a green resource if approached properly. 

“Power generation from coal has increased more than 300% since 1976, however, coal emissions from power plants decreased more than 56%,” said Jackson. “If environmental groups are really serious about cleaning up the environment, they should stop blocking new coal-fired power plants from being built. These new plants, which are twice as efficient as an old one, would immediately translate into even less coal emissions and provide an even greater contribution to a “green” economy.”

Jackson went on to say, “To the environmentalists who would try to refute the fact that coal is contributing to our "green" economy, where do they think the electricity comes from when they plug up their electric vehicles?  There is at least a 50% chance that the power came from a coal-fired power plant.   I believe this is just another example of coal being a big part of the solution America needs, now and in the future.”

Opinions vary, but it seems that the majority of local residents are for coal as an energy source as well as a financial anchor for our region. In the end, the choice of green energy as opposed to coal energy is in your hands. The only way that you, the average Joe, can make a decision for or against coal as an energy source is to vote in the upcoming local elections. 

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Story from iSurfHopkins - http://iSurfHopkinsCo.com