The Importance Of Clean Coal

Coal is one of the most frequently used fossil fuels in this country. The United States Energy Information Administration claims that in 2014, the U.S. generated 4,093 kilowatthours of electricity. 67% of that was generated by fossil fuels. Of that 67%, 39% of that was coal.18 Coal is in abundance across the country and has no evidence of running out any time soon. With this abundance in coal, there are new tactics being used to convert the hazardous chemicals into a more clean type of energy. This is accomplished by the implementation of clean carbon capture. The price of mining coal is relatively cheap, this is going to contribute to the continuation of burning coal unless there is a cheaper more readily available resource. As previously

Ozzie Zehner author of Green Illusions makes he statement “burning coal releases more greenhouse gases than any other fossil fuel...it yields more than two times the CO2 of natural gas.”26 The release of toxic greenhouse gases is not the only reason “clean” coal and carbon capture is a bad idea. It also contributes to the pollution of our waters, both drinking and natural systems. Storage risks are also a concern among environmentally aware citizens. Even though the coal industry provides jobs, which aids the economy; the working conditions are often hazardous. These are just a few factors that contribute to the negativity that is “clean” coal carbon

While he coal industry provides jobs to help our economy, these working conditions often have dire consequences. While in just 2009 and 2012 the total average deaths from mining incidents reached a low of only 35 injuries combined, injuries and health issues remain a concern.35 The United States department of labor mentions later in their facts sheet that in 2011 alone, there were 21 deaths.36 The health risks these miners face include: coal workers pneumonociosis; also known as black lung. Progressive massive fibrosis and other respiratory issues are just a couple of the health concerns these miners face.37 Health concerns are not the only risk these miners face however. Alongside death comes the fear of injury. These injuries can be caused by falling debris, malfunctioning equipment and even collapsing mine roofs. Hearing loss is another factor to weigh in on these dangerous working conditions. Continuing coal mining means the continuation of these hazardous working