Sep. 19--The United States should conserve and invest in renewable energy alternatives.

That was the preferred option of regional residents who participated in a recent forum on coal-fired power plants.

More than 50 people participated in the three-hour forum hosted by the Public Life Foundation of Owensboro, and 37 completed the follow-up questionnaire.

"We'll be sharing these results with local and state elected officials, key officials in the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Cabinet and advocacy groups like the Sierra Club," said Rodney Berry, the foundation's director. "We'll also send them to coal associations and anyone we can think of that might have a particular interest."

The questionnaire results show that 92 percent agree that the U.S. should invest in renewable energy alternatives; 5 percent disagreed and 3 percent were not sure.

Ninety-four percent said new plants should be allowed, but governments should insist on higher standards and better regulation and put an end to loopholes and emissions trading. Three percent disagreed, and 3 percent were not sure.

On the construction of new coal-fired plants, 61 percent said the country should not stop building them; 28 percent said construction should be stopped; 11 percent were not sure.

A large group -- 89 percent -- said the U.S. should change course with the current permitting and regulation system; 6 percent are said they are satisfied with the current system; 3 percent were not sure.

Survey respondents were evenly split on whether surface mining reclamation leaves the land in good, if not better condition, than it was before the mining occurred. However, those surveyed said mountaintop removal in eastern Kentucky is devastating to the environment and should be prohibited.

The forum drew a diverse group that included a public affairs official with a power company, environmentalists, union representatives, business people, educators and students.

Here are other comments from the individual surveys:

-- Priorities should focus on protecting the environment and the public over economic development and employment.

-- Higher taxes and utility rates are OK if they mean cleaner, safer air and water.

-- New power plants should be allowed as older, more polluting plants are phased out.

-- To reduce environmental and public health dangers, Kentucky should stop building power plants that serve other areas.

-- Kentucky's coal reserves represent a unique and valuable resource that should be maximized through mining and coal-fired power plants. At the same time, respondents would support development of alternatives to coal because mining is dangerous, harmful to the landscape and ecosystem and the burning of coal pollutes air and water.

-- Coal mining is an important occupation for the region and should be supported while safety is improved.

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On The Web

Complete forum results and questionnaire responses, including demographic data on participants, are available on the Public Life Foundation of Owensboro's Web site, http://www.plfo.org.