Coal group slams Clinton energy plan as a ‘dog and pony climate show’

A coal industry group slammed Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s climate change plan as a “dog and pony climate show” on Monday, indicating she could find as little support among fossil fuel interests as President Obama has during his term. 

“We are disappointed Mrs. Clinton would continue the dog and pony climate show of the current administration instead of protecting the best interests of consumers and our economy,” said American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity spokeswoman Laura Sheehan. 

{mosads}“As a purported advocate of everyday Americans, Mrs. Clinton must look beyond political ideology and pursue an energy platform acknowledging the fundamental role coal-based electricity has and will play in keeping the lights on and allowing consumers to reach their full potential.”

Clinton released the first plank of her climate change platform on Sunday night, saying she would look to install 500 million solar panels by the end of her first term and ensure there is enough renewable energy to power all American homes within 10 years of taking office. 

Her campaign said she will look to use tax incentives to expand renewable energy and preserve the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan, a proposed rule that will look to cut carbon emissions at power plants.

Coal interests deeply oppose the rule, which could lead to fewer coal-fired power plants around the United States. Industry executives and labor groups alike have opposed the Obama administration’s climate agenda, worrying it will hurt the industry and raise energy prices. 

“If Mrs. Clinton is serious about keeping Americans out of poverty and protecting our economy, she’ll pursue a commonsense energy platform that includes the role of affordable and reliable coal-based electricity,” Sheehan said.

In a fact sheet about her climate plan, the Clinton campaign said she would look to provide economic support to coal workers displaced by declining demand.

“Even as we face the threat of climate change head on, we cannot close our eyes to the challenges facing hard-working families in coal country, who kept our lights on and our factories running for more than a century,” she said at a Monday speech in Iowa.  

“We should guarantee that coal miners and their families get the benefits they’ve earned and the respect they deserve.”