Clean coal, yes, but consider it transitional

Jeffery Kohler, the chair of mining engineering at Penn State and a man who obviously has a vested interest in the perpetuation of coal mining, writes: “Let’s Take the Lead in Clean Coal” (Perspectives, July 21). So why does the United States need to be the leader in clean coal technology when we have other, cleaner sources of energy abundantly available and these do not require the development of new technology to clean up the CO2 they emit into the atmosphere?

I do not say write off coal completely, and I agree that technologies should be developed to allow for the use of cleaner coal in those areas that do not have access to cleaner technologies. And it never hurts to have a backup energy source in the event of a crisis that depletes the availability of cleaner energy.

But the time has come to stop pretending that coal remains and will continue to be the primary source of energy in this country.

As I see it, efforts along those lines will only impede the progress we have made toward building a cleaner energy future not only for America but the entire world. Also, the cost of developing those technologies could be used in part to subsidize the transition of those people currently employed in the coal mines to the new energy economy.

Yes, countries like China and India are increasing consumption of coal energy. But each also has more than 1 billion people and a far greater need for energy to fuel economic expansion than America or other less populated countries. In addition, China and India are among the top 10 countries producing renewable energy, so coal appears to be a transitional energy source until sustainable and renewable energy sources can be produced on a scale large enough to accommodate their significant needs.

Mr. Kohler’s points on producing clean coal energy technology are succinct and well-intended, but I believe fall well short of the direction we need to be heading as a country if we plan to remain a true leader in the creation of clean energy and a cleaner environment. DAN BABUSCIO

Monroeville combine with other pollutants such as benzene, a known carcinogen, to contribute to ground-level smog that hurts those suffering from asthma and lung and heart diseases.

My home less than a mile from a well pad in Beaver County exposes my family members to even greater risk, as recent studies show that those living nearest to natural gas activity are likelier to experience poor health outcomes.

With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency moving to roll back any protections we have against methane pollution, it will fall on Gov. Tom Wolf to protect Pennsylvanians from natural gas pollution. He should act without delay to enact the methane standards he promised over a year and a half ago. CELIA JANOSIK Economy

In regard to the “no confidence vote” to the Woodland Hills School Board by “municipal leaders” within the 12 boroughs that make up the school district (July 25 article), there is one very unfortunate fact.

At no time did of these council people reach out to the school board, the board leadership or any individual board member requesting a meeting.

If they were so concerned about the state of the district that they questioned the adequacy of the education provided

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by our amazing teachers, why didn’t they offer to roll up their sleeves, sit at the table, raise concerns and offer suggestions to help?

Apparently it was more important to get their 15 minutes by speaking at a publicly televised meeting than it was to come together and offer to help the district leadership.

PG reporter Elizabeth Behrman is correct in writing that this is the first time in 36 years that the 12 boroughs formed a united front. Do you know who has been coming together to represent the school district since it was formed in 1981? Our kids. TARA REIS Churchill