The truth about coal and coal

James over at the Alternative Energy Blog likes to get deep into a facet of the alternative energy world in his posts. In July, he criticized E85. Now he's giving the once over to coal and how it plays a role in providing over half the electricity American's use each year. James peppers his article with details, and I won't do him the dishonor of repeating them all here (he did the work, he deserves the credit, so head on over if you're interested in coal), but I will point out a few of the most interesting to whet your appetite.

First, as mentioned above, is that we use so much coal-generated electricity. Second is that coal use for power generation has increased by 75 percent since 1980. Most distressing, the coal industry is fighting integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plants that are more efficient and produce less waste than standard plants. The technology is available, but the will is not. If we're going to power our EVs with grid electricty, then shouldn't that juice be as clean as possible?

Related:

• Is E85 a distraction, a red herring?
• A poor argument for coal liquefaction
• Green scientist favors coal-to-fuel plant
• Energy official says fossil fuels can be less polluting, more efficient

[Source: James at Alternative Energy Blog]