the dirty side of clean coal

8/14/2019 The Dirty Side of Clean Coal

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Gina Edwards

9-23-2008

JOUR 491

The Dirty Side of Clean Coal

During sophomore year of high school, my Biology teacher taught a profound concept

that is applicable in any environmental discussion. She explained to our class that the earth is

like an island with a finite number of resources- not a limitless pool from which to draw

excessive materials. As I pondered the energy crisis that the world is facing, I realized that far

too many of us still view the worlds amenities as endless. Clean coal is one of the alternative

sources of energy that is billed as better for the environment and yet another form of energy to

bolster our independence from foreign oil. But like many of the other options that appear

wondrous and innovative at the initially, clean coal has its disadvantages that besmirch its

grandiose descriptions.

Clean coal, a rather recent technological development, has been under intense scrutiny

and speculation concerning its potential as an alternative energy source. What is clean coal? It is

referred to as such because it is not burned, but instead mixed with oxygen and water to be

converted into a gas (Pipe Dream). Another manner in which its created is through the

removal of minerals before it is burned, creating a cleaner raw material. There are many different

means and combinations of procedures that take place to alter the coal and make it greener.

Collectively, these methods are referred to as clean coal (Steel).


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Although this process claims to be an environmentally friendly way to avoid emitting

greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, many scientists dispel this notion.

James Hansen, NASA's expert on global warming, claims that clean coal still emit[s]

millions of tons of carbon dioxide - the most threatening greenhouse gas. In addition, clean coal

does not even prevent the harmful practice of mountaintop removal, which has been described as

leaving an incalculable toll in shattered lives, permanently destroyed environments and polluted

groundwater (The Myth). It was reported that due to mountaintop removal, an area the size of

Delaware containing over 750,000 acres of forest, a thousand miles of waterways, and 470

mountains have been destroyed from the southeastern Appalachian mountain range in the last

two decades (Biggers).

In Erik Reeces in-depth investigative report, Lost Mountain, the reality of the desolation

left by mountaintop removal is depicted. Reece discusses one of the many ways that humans are

destroying the earth for necessary fossil fuels like coal. This harsh form of mining literally

sucks the life out of natural forests, with little hope for substantial reclamation. He writes that

some of the poorest people in the United States are being made poorer by a coal industry that

operates with little conscience or restraint (5). Coal businesses find ways to skirt around

regulations, and the voices of those harmed by their illegal maneuvers are drowned out by the

cacophony of bulldozers.

Technology must be developed in order to move away from these drastic and brutal

procedures, and towards cleaner, more environmentally friendly solutions. The United States is

especially in need of these answers, due to its gratuitous consumption of various resources like

coal. It is projected that in the years ahead the U.S. will depend on coal for 51% of its electricity

(Steel). According to Peabody Energy Senior Vice President and Chair of the NCC Coal Policy

Committee, Fred Palmer, the U.S. is experiencing population growth and economic


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expansion that is putting significant pressure on our electricity and energy supply [we] need to

use our technological resources to tap the broad potential in clean coal (NCC Study). Clearly,

clean coal seems to be presented as a viable option for a country with energy dependence like

ours.

Some scientists believe that it is possible to avoid some of the negative by-products of

cleaning coal by a method in which the carbon dioxide is recovered and stored underground or in

the ocean. However, others prognosticate that this method could lead to ocean acidification

(Tucker). Global research is underway to figure out the safest and most cost-effective manner in

which to do sequester and store this carbon dioxide (Pipe Dream). If this method can be

determined, the clean coal idea may hold its own in the scientific arena.

But amidst all this discussion of clean coal as a revolutionary product, one should also

consider the fact that it is still a work in progress. The U.S. must continue to investigate other

energy avenues, mandate that companies internalize some of the external costs of energy

production, and encourage other means of conservation (Tucker). After all, coal is vital but not

solitary in its energy-providing capacity. There are other, cleaner means in which we can sustain

ourselves.

Ultimately, we must consider our options when it comes to the prospect of clean coal.

Many people are willing to put their faith in any one alternative to foreign oil dependency. But

we must ask ourselves as a nation, at what sacrifice do we relinquish this reliance? When will

our environment finally take center stage in this fight for global resources? Clean coal provides

solace from some of the dastardly effects that greenhouse gases have on global warming, but

what about the beautiful landscape of the Appalachian Mountains? What about the wildlife

diversity that is slowly dwindling due to the deforestation of habitats? Who will be held


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responsible when the coal diminishes along with the natural world? These questions are

seemingly endless and may never fully be answered or understood. The thickness of our wallets

can often take precedence over the environment and quality of our habitat, and as Americans we

tend to be short-sighted and worry about the ecosystem last.

We are a nation infatuated with the idea of a quick-fix, whether this pertains to weight

loss, getting rich, or cleaning up the environment. Many people are satisfied with toting a canvas

bag to the grocery store and putting a pop can in a recycling bin and feel that they have

contributed to the sustainability of our world. And still myriads of others are willing to trust the

propaganda that is fed to them through the television, or worse- practice complete apathy. Some

citizens will blindly believe that clean coal is the answer to all of our energy responsibilities and

ignore the dastardly destruction of our precious mountain ranges. Well, the truth is that if

Americans would become informed about the injustices being done to our own land and commit

to a coalition of change, perhaps we could have more options and ideas on the table in which to

fortify our energy supply. Until then it is up to journalists to uncover the ever-present dirty

underside to a so-called clean solution.

Works Cited

Biggers, Jeff. Clean Coal? Dont try to Shovel That. The Washington Post. 2 Mar 2008. 21

Sep. 2008.

< http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-

dyn/content/article/2008/02/29/AR2008022903390.html>.


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Clean Coal- Pipe Dream or Next Big Thing? 20 Jun 2008. CBS Evening News. 21 Sep. 2008.

.

J. M. "The Myth of Clean Coal." E - The Environmental Magazine 18.6 (Nov. 2007): 38-39.

Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Alden Library, Athens, OH. 21 Sep. 2008

.

"NCC Study Calls for Greater Use of Coal and Technology to Meet Unprecedented Global

Energy Demand." Coal Age 113.6 (June 2008): 6-7. GreenFILE. EBSCO. Alden Library,

Athens, OH. 21 Sep. 2008 .

Reece, Erik. Lost Mountain. New York: Riverhead Books, 2006.

Steel, Karen. "Chemically cleaning coal." Chemical Engineer (July 2007): 52-53. Academic

Search Complete. EBSCO. Alden Library, Athens, OH. 21 Sep. 2008

.

Tucker, Patrick. "Is Clean Coal Feasible?." Futurist 41.6 (Nov. 2007): 8-9. Academic Search

Complete. EBSCO. Alden Library, Athens, OH. 21 Sep. 2008

.


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