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01-11-2007, 1:04 PM admin Joined on 01-24-2005 Posts 10 "Kill coal" Extract from "Unified Green Field Theory," by Grist writer David Roberts, at TomPaine.com, January 11, 2006 Kill coal. Coal is the enemy of the human race. It is corrosive to the communities and ecosystems where it is mined. Coal-fired power plants spew particulates and mercury pollution in to the air, cutting short some 30,000 lives a year. Those power plants are also responsible for 40 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions; electric power generation is the single biggest source of global greenhouse gases. The industry funds deliberately deceptive propaganda campaigns about global warming. Coal barons like Massey Energy's Don Blankenship< /A>  openly purchase state government officials to fight off labor and environmental enforcement. So-called "clean coal " is an improvement, if it is coupled with carbon sequestration. But, as I've argued, the full cost of coal liquefaction and carbon sequestration will make coal power uncompetitive with, for example, wind. The quickest way to kill coal is by putting a steep price on carbon emissions, enforcing existing Clean Air Act provisions on particulate pollution, and passing a tougher federal mercury pollution law.    Report

01-24-2007, 10:25 PM Rob Wheeler Joined on 01-25-2007 Posts 3 Re: "Kill coal" I support most of the statements included above, however I don't think it is helpful to say such divisive things as "Coal is the enemy of the human race." Even if it is the case today. We can find better words to frame our argument. I also agree that we ought to call for a price to be placed on carbon emissions, that all governments enact and enforce strict provisions to limit particulate pollution, and pass strong mercury pollution laws. However we should call for specific means and mechanisms to ensure that all governments do follow through on these things. One means could be to suggest that these commitments must be included as a part of the Nation Strategies for Sustainability and the Frameworks on Sustainable Production and Consumption and a review process must be undertaken to ensure that they are indeed.    Report

02-05-2007, 7:06 PM saynotocoal Joined on 02-05-2007 Posts 1 Re: "Kill coal" I completely agree.  Coal needs to go.  There are 150 pulverized coal plants being planned in the U.S..  Even if they use carbon capture - there are still some emissions that will escape.  They still spew mercury, which has been linked to numerous neurological issues and the pollution of waterways - plus the plants are allowed to report their own emissions.  The mercury cap and trade rule is ludicrous - it is creating mercury hot-spots near coal fired plants.  I would love to see carbon capture be required - as it would most likely kill all coal plants except possibly IGCC.  It would also make the price point for wind power become competitive.  Has anyone heard of the Company Citizenre?  They are touting the ability to provide solar panels with no up-front cost to homeowners.  On their website they state that they can do this because they charge the homeowners for electricity used in lieu of the electric company charging for the power they provide.  They call it an equipment rental fee, and it is based on usage just like an electric utility provider, however - they take the rate you currently pay and never raise it for up to 25 years.  So it works kind of like Dish network only on a larger scale.  If it really works - it could really capture a lot of market and convert a lot of houses to solar - thus reducing the need for cheap energy sources like coal.  The website is www.jointhesolution.com/saynotocoal  Let me know what you think.  The business plan looks sound, as they are taking orders prior to manufacturing.  This is smart rather than taking venture capital and producing a ton of panels and using up all the startup cash.  Since there is no risk and you pay no money until the panels are put on, then it seems like a no-brainer.           Report

SDIN Forums » CSD 15 - Energy... » Clean coal » "Kill coal"

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