Green energy leader says there is still a need for fossil fuels

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — While the U.S. seeks to expand more clean, green energy, it still needs to use fossil fuels, according to Jason Grumet, CEO of the American Clean Power Association.

There have been times when the two sides of the energy debate said it was “all or nothing” for their side, but now a key leader says there needs to be room for both.

In the past two years, the American Clean Power Association says a half-trillion dollars has been invested in clean energy across the nation. And in that time, more than two thousand new jobs have been created in West Virginia alone.

While both political parties embrace that, there is still a concern for the West Virginia coal and natural gas industries. Many leaders support what they call an “all of the above” energy strategy, using all forms.

On Thursday, a green energy leader said there still has to be room for both.

“So, look, there’s just no question we are going to have to use the full diversity of American energy resources to meet this growing demand. And we’ve got to do it in a way that is affordable, reliable, and clean,” said Jason Grumet, CEO of the American Clean Power Association.

“We’re seeing really significant advances in making the fossil fuel sector more environmentally conscious and cleaner, and tremendous growth in these new technologies. And when you put the best elements of all that together, we think you really have a path forward.”

The Clean Power Association says it also supports an initiative from United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts. He has called on the wind and solar power industries to give laid-off fossil fuel workers the first chance and training for any new green energy jobs.

For more information on the American Clean Power Association, click here .

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