"Green jobs"

The continued assault by the Obama administration and the EPA on coal-fired power plants in the name of "green" and "saving" the environment should be a wake-up call to every person in the midwest. While everyone can agree on the need for "clean" air, many simply don't understand that it comes with a hefty price.

The fact is that much industry and large business is in Kentucky because of the low-cost electricity pricing associated with coal-fired power plants. I would further argue that low-cost power is Kentucky's only real economic development advantage. Fortunately, coal and its associated low-cost electricity have in many cases trumped Kentucky's non-business friendly labor laws and judicial systems. Keep adding to the costs of producing that electricity, however, and soon industry and its good-paying jobs and benefits will be fleeing the midwest.

When you hear someone talk about "all the green jobs" that will be created in the future, don't be fooled. Sure, there can be job growth in the manufacturing of components and parts needed for wind farms, solar panels and other "green" products but there's absolutely no guarantee those jobs will come to Kentucky. On the other hand, take away the state's low-cost electricity and it's virtually assured that aluminum smelters and other heavy industry will leave the state.

The hefty price for "clean" air in Kentucky is a certain loss of high-paying jobs and not just in coal mines and heavy manufacturing. How many service and retail jobs exist because well-paid manufacturing workers are able to treat their families to a meal at restaurants or to a weekend getaway? While that number is unknown, it's definitely more than will be created by "green jobs" in Kentucky.