We should be choosing low emission power sources

Previously published in the Grand Junction Sentinel.

Jennifer Schubert-Akin raises valid points in her op-ed, “Rethinking energy, climate, freedom and prosperity,” about the trade-offs involved in our transition to less polluting forms of energy. She and I agree on the importance of reliable, affordable energy. It sounds like we agree on the importance of reducing carbon emissions from fossil fuels.

She points to emissions reductions from shale energy that “displaced high-emission coal with low-emission natural gas.” Yet, then she boasts that the Steamboat Institute’s climate and energy summit will feature a “field trip to the nearby Trapper Mine and Craig Station power generating plant to give attendees a real-world lesson in how our lights turn on.”

Our lights turn on through many different sources these days. Mine turn on from rooftop solar with battery backup. In other homes, natural gas, nuclear, hydro, geothermal or wind powers the lights. New technologies are coming online every year.

Coal power made America an economic powerhouse in the last century. I am as proud of Colorado’s coal industry as Schubert-Akin is. In this century, though, we have other choices. We know more about the negative consequences of high-emission power sources. Today we have a diverse array of options — many ways to turn on our lights. We should select a mix that are low-emitting, affordable and reliable.