Coal: the next twenty years

The coal revolution envisioned by global energy planners will increase coal production and consumption as much as three times, with a capital investment of up to $1.5 trillion and considerable impact on the environment. International trade could shift world dependence on OPEC oil to a new dependence on coal. The US must dredge and enlarge port facilities to handle 10 times the level of coal exports. This will provide work for the Corps of Engineers, but an added burden for citizens. Other plans include eminent domain to assist a cross-country slurry pipeline network that will transfer powdered coal and water from western states. The coal plan amounts to a reindustrialization as well an an energy program. Utility customers are faced with high prices, capital investment in new construction, the loss of coal-field competition, and labor impacts. The coal revolution will also be in conjunction with continued reliance on nuclear power and, eventually, on fusion and the fast breeder reactor. Environmental problems include acid rain, carbon dioxide buildup, reclamation of stripmined land, pollution, and health and safety hazards. (DCK)