Talking Points

by Erik Hungerbuhler — last modified August-08-2007 02:19 PM

Peabody Energy is hijacking our political process. Closed-door meetings and back room deals weaken our democracy.
Peabody is not a good neighbor. They have a history of union-busting and disregard for labor, and they have devastated communities across the country, including the Black Mesa reservation.
Peabody Energy is the largest coal company in the world with huge annual profits. Do they really need our taxpayer dollars? Why must subsidize their bottom line at the expense of funding for necessary social services?
The proposed subsidies for coal conversion companies divert money from the coal severance tax. Should we really be taking money away from our economic diversification and Eastern Kentucky counties to subsidize the industry?
Why should we invest in technologies that will contribute to climate change? Who will pay for the environmental damages caused by increased mining and global warming? Why are we not investing in sustainable alternative energy?
Hasn't Eastern Kentucky given enough? Increased use of converted coal will mean more mountaintop removal mining, more destroyed streams, more sludge ponds, more destruction of Kentucky's natural beauty.

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Kentuckians for the Commonwealth