What's wrong with coal? What's wrong with Virginia?

The good news: The United States is a global leader in reducing carbon pollution as we retire dirty coal plants and replace them with clean, renewable energy. Several states, including South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota are getting a significant amount of their electricity from renewable sources.

The bad news: Far from being a leader, Virginia lags behind much of the rest of the country in getting rid of coal and moving to a clean energy future. Dominion Resources continues to stymie efforts to move the commonwealth (Richmond is not only the state capitol, it is also the asthma capitol) to greater use of wind and solar energy. Placing profits above people, the powerful company is aided and abetted by failed leadership in the Executive Mansion and General Assembly.

Get involved: Contact your state legislators and tell them it is time, indeed past time, to move Virginia towards clean and renewable energy. Join the Sierra Club Beyond Coal campaign

Warner/Webb on the wrong side of coal

CCC is extremely disappointed that Senator Mark Warner and Senator Jim Webb both voted for Senate Joint Resolution 37 that would have overridden Environmental Protection Agency actions to limit mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. You could expect a dirty coal shills like Bobblehead Bob or George "Macaca" Allen to cozy up with the dark polluted side, but both Warner and Webb usually exercise some independent judgement and keep constituents in mind. I can only conclude that, in this case, the big PAC donations or the sweet talk of industry lobbyists trumped good health and environmental policy. Shame on you!

Fortunately, that lamebrain resolution failed but there is no excuse for our senators putting the interests of King Coal and Dominion Resources and Appalachian Power so far ahead of the health of residents and the environment of the Commonwealth. The industry boasts of "clean coal," an oxymoron if there ever was one. But, these EPA standards would require clean(er) uses of coal and that is a big step in the right direction. Contact Virginia's senators today and share your disappointment in their shortsighted vote for Senate Joint Resolution 37. Or call Sen. Mark Warner: 202-224-2023 and Sen. Jim Webb: 202-224-4024.

Coal Bucket Outlaw

Coal Bucket Outlaw examines a day in the life of a coal truck driver. Although set in Kentucky, it could be anywhere in Appalachian coal country, including southwest Virginia. The economics of the coal business pushes drivers to exceed the limits and break the laws every day. The documentary asks a fundamental question - if outlaws deliver half our nation's energy, don't consumers and policy makers share some of the responsibility?

For more information about Coal Bucket Outlaw and for complete programming details, visit Free Speech TV online or check it out 24/7 on DISH Network channel 9415 or DIRECTV channel 348. Also on FSTV, King Coal is Dead (Sorta).