America’s New Coal Rush

America’s New Coal Rush

Push to Build New Plants Could Boost Energy Security, Hurt Environment

By Mark Clayton
(Christian Science Monitor)

March 2 — After 25 years on the blacklist of America's energy sources, coal is poised to make a comeback, stoked by the demand for affordable electricity and the rising price of other fuels.

At least 94 coal-fired electric power plants — with the capacity to power 62 million American homes — are now planned across 36 states.

The plants, slated to start coming on line as early as next year, would add significantly to the United States' generating power, help keep electricity prices low, and boost energy security by offering an alternative to foreign oil and gas. But they would also pump more airborne mercury and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur dioxide into the air.

Apparently, economic concerns are trumping environmental ones in utilities' plans.

Surprisingly, few state officials or even environmentalists are aware of the magnitude of the new coal rush.

more... http://abcnews.go.com/sections/scitech/US/coal_rush_CSM_040302.html

Clean coal.

Better start taking pictures of the view while you can.

Plants will be allowed to emit three times as much mercury under the Bush/Leavitt plan than under the proposed Clinton/Browner standards.

Coal Age has a web site and the graph below indicates that the industry is looking bright as it dims everything around it.


http://www.mining-media.com/ca/market.aspx