KOR

e-Article

Making sense of the 'coal rush': the consequences of expanding America's dependence on coal
Document Type
Miscellaneous
Author
Source
Subject
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY
20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS
01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT COAL
USA
FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS
CONSTRUCTION
POWER DEMAND
INTEREST GROUPS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ENERGY SUPPLIES
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
AIR POLLUTION
COAL MINING
COAL GASIFICATION
COAL GASIFICATION PLANTS
RECOMMENDATIONS
HEALTH HAZARDS
WATER POLLUTION
LAND POLLUTION
FINANCING
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
CARBON SEQUESTRATION
MITIGATION
CLIMATIC CHANGE
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
INVESTMENT
Language
English
Abstract
As of June 2006, US power producers have approximately 150 new coal- fired plants on the drawing board. The report assesses the adverse impact this additional fleet would have on the environment and public health. It concludes that States and the federal government should not allow any new coal facility to be built, unless: All the costs of coal-fired power plants, including the societal cost of global warming and the probable cost of additional pollution control requirements, are fully considered when utility investment decisions are made; Gasified coal with carbon storage is demonstrated to be the least-cost way to reduce global warming pollution consistent with climate stabilization goals, compared to other clean resources that could satisfy or reduce energy demand; and Any new gasified coal plants with carbon storage are used to replace old, inefficient coal-fired power plants. It advocates that public funds should not be used to support the construction of any coal-fired power plants. Leaders at all levels of government should encourage the development of cleaner alternatives to coal-fired power plants, particularly measures to improve energy efficiency and develop clean renewable resources. 152 refs., 9 figs., 3 tabs., 10 photos., 4 apps.