Ex-Illinois Congressman Jerry Costello is among those dedicated to its vision. “Affordable and reliable electricity, a growing economy and a healthy environment are not mutually exclusive,” he said. “We are appreciative of the support Democratic office holders across our nation are giving to this consensus.”
Former House Democrat John Tanner of Tennessee and Rick Boucher of Virginia, along with former North Carolina Utilities Commission and National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Chairman Jim Kerr, have also been instrumental, Costello added.
“As senators from energy-producing states, we are aware the prosperity of all Americans is tied directly to the sensible deployment of our abundant, domestic energy resources,” said Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota in a statement.
Other CoalBlue supporters include current and former Congressional Democrats such as Rep. Nick J. Rahall of West Virginia, Rep. Bill Enyart of Illinois and Pennsylvania’s ex-Congressman Tim Holden, with a cross-section of state and local Democratic officeholders. These include Kentucky House Majority Leader Rocky Adkins, West Virginia State Sen. Art Kirkendoll, North Dakota Minority Leader Kenton Onstad, Pennsylvania State Rep. Pam Snyder and Franklin County, Illinois, Treasurer John Gulley.
Within its mission to advocate for clean coal within the Democratic Party, CoalBlue advocates will champion proactive engagement and education through communication, forums and events. Stakeholders will include Democrats, Republicans, independents, nonprofits, the media, opinion leaders, academics, policy think tanks and the American public. www.coalblue.org
