Coal's uncertain future

Policy differences divide environmentalists from coal producers and users, and it is this policy vacuum that leaves the future of America's most abundant fossil fuel very uncertain. Industrial leaders contend that existing environmental laws will prevent the nation from expanding the utilization of its huge coal reserves. It is observed that 40% of the investment in a new coal-fired power plant is used for meeting environmental requirements, and modifications of the Clean Air Act are urged. Some members of the coal industry are beginning to document their claims that the EPA has overstated the adverse impacts of sulfur dioxide emissions. Industry also recommends that the Federal government increase its spending on air quality monitoring and modeling and that EPA be required to present a thorough breakdown of the costs, risks, and benefits involved in all existing and proposed air quality requirements that increase the cost of using coal or make its use impossible. The aim of the National Coal Policy Project is to agree on how the utilization of coal can be expanded while preserving the environment. An EPA spokesperson does predict that EPA standards for new coal-fired power plants will facilitate the construction of 350 new plants by 1995more » in a way that does not harm public health or the environment. (MCW)« less