A very contradicting article -
Pennsylvania still is the fourth-largest producer of coal in the United States. We have reserves that might extend some 300 years. And our coal resource supports jobs not only in the coal sector, but in energy, transportation, steel and other heavy industry. In other words, coal is among the key engines of our economy. But, new challenges have emerged. Specifically, global warming is a threat to our health, our economy and our way of life. Severe storm systems, droughts and the spread of infectious diseases are some of the consequences of a disrupted climate system. The greenhouse gas pollution that causes global warming comes largely from our use of coal and other fossil fuels in power plants and transportation.
The primary greenhouse gas pollutant in coal-based power plants is carbon dioxide. Companies are now selling equipment that can be added to power plants to pull the CO2 out of the flue gases. Air Products and Chemicals Inc. is offering technology that boosts oxygen in the combustion chamber and pumps up the efficiency of CO2 removal.
Much work is needed to move the idea of carbon capture of storage to reality. We have to build plants that prove the technology. We also have to store the carbon dioxide and show it can be locked up permanently.
The Morning Call
