Energy outlook: coal as a fuel

Representing 90% of total U.S. fuel resources, coal could relieve our dependence on oil by 1985 except that Congress has placed obstacles restricting coal mining and production. Changes in present policy are needed to (1) find a better solution to sulfur dioxide limitations and amend the Clean Air Act to permit the burning of high-sulfur coal; (2) lift wellhead prices for natural gas to allow coal-based synthetic fuels to compete; (3) use low- and medium-Btu coal-based gas as an alternative to pipeline quality gas; and (4) establish closer ties between industrial customers and the natural gas and nuclear industries.