Reported by Staff

The U.S. Secretary of Interior said that coal and other fossil fuels will remain a part of the nation’s energy future while reducing the carbon emissions that enter the atmosphere is a priority for the country.

Salazar and the Obama Administration have been the target of  critics who contend their policy of pushing renewable energy development while proposing carbon reduction legislation will be too costly for America and shortchange traditional extraction industries.

The Secretary sought to calm down thos fears in his speech.

“I don’t want you to be scared, those of you here who are supportive of coal and oil and natural gas,” said Secretary Ken Salazar during his address at the Great Plains Energy Expo and Showcase at the Bismarck Civic Center on Monday. “The fact remains that oil, gas and coal are a very important part of our energy portfolio and will remain a part of the energy portfolio in the future. We must also not forget that we as a nation must deal with climate change,” Salazar said. ”

We need to have the right incentives for industries that will be impacted.”

Incentives he discussed included funding to improve carbon capture and storage and other strategies to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide produced in the burning of coal and other fuels.

Some may say that the day for coal has come and gone,” Salazar said. “I would argue that it has not.”

Utilities have criticized legislation that would reduce carbon in the atmosphere by capping emissions and making producers pay for the carbon they produce above the cap.