Guest Column: From wood to coal to sustainable fuel

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In this guest column, Norma Morrison reflects on the historical shift from wood to coal as a primary fuel source in the U.S., and how a similar transition is now underway as the country moves towards cleaner, more sustainable energy options. Morrison highlights the importance of bipartisan energy permitting reform to accelerate the deployment of clean energy and strengthen grid resilience in the face of climate change-driven extreme weather events.

Why it matters

The transition to clean energy is a critical step in addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, outdated permitting processes have slowed the deployment of renewable energy projects, leaving communities vulnerable to power outages during extreme weather. Bipartisan permitting reform could help streamline the approval of clean energy infrastructure, making the grid more reliable and secure while also creating new jobs in the renewable energy sector.

The details

Morrison recounts her family's own experience transitioning from wood to coal to heat their home, and how the shift to coal faced initial resistance before becoming widely adopted. She draws parallels to the current transition to clean energy, noting that strategic automation and integration across power, industry, transport and digital infrastructure can help make clean technologies efficient and sustainable. Morrison encourages readers to contact their members of Congress to support bipartisan permitting reform, which would ensure sound decision-making and environmental stewardship while also accelerating the deployment of renewable energy projects.

• In the late 1970s through the early 2000s, Morrison and her husband used wood for heat.
• By the 1860s, households in the U.S. were rapidly shifting from wood to coal as a primary fuel source.
• For about 15 years, Morrison's family had the opportunity to use electricity from a micro-hydroelectric plant her husband built and maintained.
• Morrison has not experienced so many consecutive snow-covered days in a very long time, a clear reminder that America's energy system isn't built for the weather the country is now experiencing due to climate change.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Morrison encourages readers to contact their members of Congress and ask them to pass bipartisan permitting reform that strengthens reliability, protects households and prepares the energy system for a changing climate.