A local candidate for the 17th Congressional District believes the federal government is off-target with its coal policies and, if elected, he'd push to advance a more sensible approach to energy.

"I believe there is a war on coal," said Dr. David Moylan, Schuylkill County coroner and medical scientist.Moylan said much can be gained by adopting progressive attitudes and policies toward traditional energy sources and newer technologies while maintaining healthy skepticism about the concept of global warming."This is far from settled," he said. "There is no consensus."In fact, Moylan was one of 650 scientists, economists, policy experts and guests to attend the ninth International Conference on Climate Change last July in Las Vegas, hosted by the Heartland Institute.At a news conference held Monday inside the Cafe Sweet Barista at Simon Kramer Institute, in Middleport, Moylan presented a detailed examination of current energy policy and his suggestions for improvement.One key area is to cultivate renewable energy sources but also to recognize the potential of fossil fuels such as coal, he said."We have 27 billion tons in the commonwealth and it's 90 percent pure and has low sulfur content."Global warming was just one topic of discussion during the news conference, coordinated by Moylan's campaign manager, Hank J. Clarke, of Clamtown. It featured a PowerPoint presentation titled "Climate change, a coherent national energy policy and the war on coal in the 17th District."As for greenhouse gases, "yes, it plays a role, but it's incremental," said Moylan.Some believe, for instance, that superstorm Sandy was a result of global warming."There was global warming alarmism," said Moylan."In the 1938 Long Island hurricane, 600 were killed and that would've dwarfed Hurricane Sandy. But few lived on Long Island in 1938," he said."Global warming is out," said Moylan. "Climate change is in."Coal could be complemented by renewable energy sources: nuclear energy, including a thorium alternative and small modular reactors; biomass, including wood and plant material, municipal waste and industrial and animal residue; plus wind, geothermal, solar and hydroelectric power.Moylan said he has had talks with industry representatives, such as at Blaschack Coal Corp., Mahanoy City, who cite a long decline in coal use."They said, 'Dave, we lost out in the 1960s when people converted their home heat from coal to oil."Moylan agreed that the home fuel industry was a strength of anthracite.But with the right kind of approach, anthracite and new technologies can be used to best advantage, he said.It would make the 17th District the energy capital of the state, said Moylan. As a result, there'd be lower unemployment and a boost to the economy."I think the mindset is right for it. I think the workers and population are ready to go with it."The 17th District includes all of Schuylkill County and parts of Carbon, Monroe, Luzerne, Northampton and Lackawanna counties.Moylan serves as director of the Simon Kramer Institute of Therapeutic Oncology.A Republican, Moylan is running against first-term Democrat incumbent Matt Cartwright, a Scranton attorney.Cartwright defeated Tim Holden for the Democratic nomination in April 2012. Holden had served 10 two-year terms.Cartwright then went on to defeat the Republican candidate, home health nurse company owner Laureen Cummings, of Old Forge, in the November 2012 general election.