About that big debate …
NASA climate scientist James Hansen was among those arrested Tuesday protesting mountaintop removal outside a Massey Energy operation in Raleigh County, W.Va. Gazette photo by Christ Dorst.
We’ve had more questions from readers about whether the debate between climate scientist James Hansen and Massey Energy President Don Blankenship is on or off … I wish I could say for sure.
The best information available right now probably comes from my friend Scott Finn over at West Virginia Public Broadcasting, who was working pretty hard to try to pull this one off. According to this post from the public broadcasting Web site, it doesn’t look good:
Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship and NASA climatologist James Hansen have agreed to debate one another – just in two different places at two different times.
Hansen says he will stay an extra day in West Virginia after today’s protest for a debate. He accepted an offer to attend an event at Mountain State University at 1 p.m., moderated by West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
But …
In a statement today, Blankenship said he would debate Hansen at a live televised event at WOWK-TV, part of West Virginia Media.
“This televised debate will enable the most West Virginians to participate in the discussion involving these important issues for the state,†said Mr. Blankenship. “I look forward to a productive dialogue about the future of Appalachia and the economic vitality of the West Virginia.â€
When I talked to Hansen today before his arrest at the Marsh Fork protest, he sounded like he wasn’t planning to stay beyond Wednesday, after already extending his visit for a day to try to work something out with Blankenship.
But we’ll see …
Updated, noon Wednesday: Blankenship issued the following statement regarding the protests:
“Today, more than ever, America needs jobs, affordable energy and energy independence. I am confident that coal can help us meet these needs, and I believe that we should have a meaningful dialogue about the role coal must play in our energy and economic policies.
“The protests and pointless arrests by Dr. Hansen, a Hollywood actress and their friends do nothing to move such a conversation forward.
“It is my desire that a meaningful discussion of the issues will end these pointless protests that waste the taxpayers’ money and put our miners and law enforcement personnel at risk.
“In an effort to have real discussion about the real issues that affect real working families I have accepted an offer by West Virginia Media television stations on Thursday, June 25 at 7:00 PM to debate Dr. Hansen. I hope we have this opportunity to debate these important issues.”
3 comments
Of course Don wants to have this debate on the friendly turf of WOWK. We could put an end to MTR in WV if people could get past their fear/belief that coal is all this state has or will ever have.
Since Mr. Blankenships finances have ben fully examined, how about the Gazette investigate just how many coal dollars Mr Heckler accepted over his long career.
If the debate cannot happen this week, I hope both parties work to find a time in the future when it can take place.
Although I’m generally in favor of public forums, I’m concerned about the difficulty in maintaining order for such an important discussion. I’d love to see a format where both can present their views without interruption, then respond to questions from a neutral moderator and the general public.
Although many in this state are already firmly entrenched in their positions, this is a great opportunity for two leaders from their respective perspectives to interact directly while the rest of us watch and learn.
I hope there’s a way found to make it happen.
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