U.S. Chamber slams Obama decision to end coal leases on federal land

After the Obama administration said recently that it will cease all coal leases on federal lands, Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, condemned the move.

“Another day, another front on the war on coal from this administration," Harbert said. "At this point, it is obvious that the president and his administration won’t be satisfied until coal is completely eradicated from our energy mix. Their foolish crusade takes away one of America’s greatest strengths — our diverse mix of energy sources. If the president wants electricity rates to skyrocket — as he once said he did — he’s on the right path."

The U.S. Chamber's Institute for 21st Century Energy’s stated mission is "to unify policymakers, business leaders, regulators and the American public behind a universal energy strategy aimed at keeping America secure, prosperous and clean. Through education, policy development, and advocacy, the Institute facilitates meaningful action at the local, state, national and international levels."