COLUMN OP/EDIn Support of Affordable Energy By Michael J. TooheyAs its key mission, Waterways Coun- keep coal in an “all of the above” energy strategy. Access to cil, Inc. (WCI) advocates for a modern affordable energy sources in all forms strengthens our na-and well-maintained system of inland tion’s economy while sustaining American jobs. waterways and ports. WCI’s top issues In 2013, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Ernie areas include the implementation of Moniz noted, “Coal and other fossil fuels provide 80 per-waterways’ improvement legislation in cent of the country’s energy and 70 percent of its electric-the recently enacted WRRDA; remem- ity.” But due to fervent regulations like the EPA rule, do-bering Rivers (the Fourth “R”) among mestic consumption of coal has been falling off and more Rail, Roadways and Runways; improv- coal is headed for export. Metallurgic and thermal coal ing the reliability of the waterways system and properly is being exported to China, India and even to Japan, but funding its Operations & Maintenance; assuring naviga- weakness in the U.S. and overseas markets, coupled with tion reliability during times of