Standing alongside the governors of Wyoming and Oklahoma, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin told a group of lawmakers that now is the time to simplify energy and environmental regulations and "put control back in the hands of states" while President Donald Trump remains in office.
While each governor touted a host of energy resources available in their states, much of their discussion focused on fossil fuels and criticisms of efforts to make a speedy transition to renewable energy resources or otherwise hamper fuel production during a discussion at the Southern States Energy Board meeting in Louisville, Ky. on Sept. 24. Hosting the conversation with fellow Republican governors in his home state, Bevin jumped to the defense of the nation's existing coal and nuclear fleet.
"Most of our lives, we've enjoyed the fruits of the capital that was invested by prior generations: our coal and our nuclear plants," Bevin said. "But that infrastructure is now aging. ... It's very comfortable for us to aspire to be carbon-free while sitting in the comfort of air conditioning that is provided by fossil energy."
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt touted his state's role as a top producer of natural gas but also emphasized the state's dominant position in wind energy production. The key to recent economic wins, including attracting new business investment in the state, is in part due to the availability of cheap power, Stitt said. Under the Trump administration, Stitt said governors can take a tailored approach to how they regulate the industry in their state.
"They are constantly reminding us the president's philosophy is to stay so much closer to how you're delivering healthcare, energy, all those kinds of things," Stitt said. "They're asking us as governors to take control and actually implement that and let them know what to do."
While casting doubt on the extent of humanity's effect on climate change and dismissing extreme weather such as a polar vortex as mere winter, Bevin criticized climate change-related testimony this week before the United Nations as being emotionally motivated and "not driven by reality." Renewable energy has a place in the energy landscape going forward, Bevin said, but added that states "need not apologize" for their production of energy from fossil fuels.
"With technological advances in battery and energy storage technology, their contribution will likely grow, certainly proportionally, at a faster rate than fossil fuels itself," Bevin said. "Where we are today, with current technology, the current landscape and the current demand, the reality is that renewables cannot come close to meeting the demand."
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon cheered on his state's technological approach to researching ways to secure coal a place in the future of energy. The state has invested in carbon capture and storage technology, alternative uses for coal and other technologies favorable to the industry.
"Today, people think, well, you know, the technology that is involved in fossil fuels has really reached its apex. It's never going to go forward," Gordon said. "But, that's a silly notion."
