Protesters in Frankfort should be reminded of some key facts about Kentucky coal

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Hundreds turned out in Frankfort on Valentines Day for an event organized by Kentuckians for the Commonwealth to protest one of Kentucky's most important industries: coal mining, and mountain top removal.

Though protecting Kentucky's picturesque sceneries and wildlife should be a top priority for Kentuckians, before more citizens in the commonwealth show support for such a movement, perhaps they should be reminded of some key facts about Kentucky coal:

• Kentucky produces 10% of the nation’s coal, which is top three in the nation, and has been so for the last 50 years.

• Kentucky coal employs about 20,000 miners with weekly wages of over $1,200. Three additional industry jobs depend on each miner employed.

• Kentucky coal brought in more than $5 billion to the commonwealth in 2009, and paid $270 million in coal severance taxes in the 2009-2010 fiscal year.

• Kentucky coal provides for some of the cheapest energy rates in the country, attracting industries like steel, automotive, and aluminum – which is produced most right here in Kentucky. In 2009, for example, retail electricity costs in Kentucky were lowest in the nation at 6.03 cents per kilowatt-hour.

• 93% of electricity in Kentucky is generated by coal.

Perhaps Bill Bissett, president of the Kentucky Coal Association, put it best:

"I understand that these people have great passion for what they do but I think they really don't reflect the vast majority of Kentuckians who appreciate what our coal miners do, who understand the importance of coal and its direct connection to our economy."