To the editor: We haven’t learned our lessons over the years when it comes to energy independence. As our dependence on foreign oil has hit an all-time high, we find ourselves staring down a $700 billion abyss. When it comes to electricity, we don’t have to worry about falling into the darkness. Thanks to an abundant, domestic supply of coal (200 years at current usage) we aren’t held hostage by foreign governments when it comes to our electricity. With the continued development and deployment of clean coal technologies, we are leading the way when it comes to dealing with climate change. Both our presidential nominees recognize the need for further investments in clean coal technology and are on record with their support of the industry. Having an abundant, domestic fuel source like coal doesn’t mean a thing unless we have the capacity to use that resource. Coal already provides Iowans with 78 percent of its electricity. We must continue to build clean coal power plants.