Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Antonia Aguilar - University of New Mexico / Talk Radio News Service

Top coal industry executives testified before the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming Committee Wednesday in regards to the effects coal has had on global warming and their efforts at reducing damaging Co2 emissions.

“Climate change is a serious problem, and yet some in the coal industry deny that the problem of global warming even exists and have contributed to organizations that spread doubt about science and policy,” said Chairman Edward J. Markey (D- MA). “That has led many to believe the industry is not committed to finding a solution to our pollution problems.”

Preston Chiaro, Chief Executive for Energy and Minerals of Rio Tinto, said that his company acknowledges the effects carbon emissions have had on global warming and is dedicated to finding new was to manage and reduce green house gases.

“We recognize that man-made emissions of greenhouse gases are contributing to global climate change and that action is necessary to reduce those emissions and adapt to a changing climate," said Chiaro.