An issue previously at the center of some political differences within the Bluegrass state is again making national waves, as a group backed by former Vice President Al Gore is behind a new nationwide television ad claiming "clean coal" technology "does not exist." A spokesperson for the Alliance for Climate Protection - one of several environmental groups comprising the "Reality Coalition" of organizations sponsoring the ad - said the message would not economically hinder coal-producing Kentucky areas.

The groups airing the ad say it is the first part of a campaign that will include further TV and print efforts to counter the coal industry's own ad campaign.

Under fire from opponents arguing the burning of coal is a major contributor to climate change, the coal industry is already out with a comprehensive public relations push asserting that coal can be made "clean" through investment and development, arguing coal can be used to produce electricity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions  - a push falling under the label of "clean coal."

 Alliance for Climate Protection spokesperson Brian Hardwick said this effort by the coal industry is "an illusion."

"In reality today, clean coal doesn't exist," said Hardwick.

The Reality Coalition's new TV spot is taking that message nationwide while recent differences on coal policy among prominent Kentucky Democrats have made news in Kentucky.

State House Speaker Jody Richards (D-Bowling Green) and majority Floor leader Rocky Adkins (D-Sandy Hook) were among 20 signees to a letter supporting a new rule favored by both the Bush administration and coal companies that remove some restrictions on the disposal of mining waste near waterways. Gov. Steve Beshear (D-Lexington), U.S. Reps. Ben Chandler (D-Versailles) and John Yarmuth (D-Louisville) and Attorney General Jack Conway (D-Louisville) penned letters opposing that rule.

Much of the support for the rule from these legislators and the coal industry focuses on the economic impact of coal in Kentucky. Coal mining directly provides about 17,000 jobs according to government statistics, while industry groups say the direct economic impact hits $5 billion.

Hardwick says any changes from coal power would not necessarily be an economic blow against those coal-producing parts of the Commonwealth. The Reality Coalition also hoped to develop alternative energies that it claims would replace any jobs lost in the coal industry and spark economic growth.

"Any workers displaced should be guaranteed a job in the new economy," said Hardwick.

No specific effort to reach out to coal-state legislators or activists is yet planned by the environmental groups, however.

"We're reaching out to people all across the country," said Hardwick.

Former Vice President Al Gore is the chairman for the Alliance for Climate Protection, which is joined in the Reality Coalition by the Sierra Club, the National Wildlife Federation, the League of Conservation Voters, and the National Resources Defense Council.