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MNN.COM > Eco-Glossary

Coal

 
Coal is a fossil fuel, commonly used to produce electricity, that is formed from the decomposition of organic materials that have been subjected to geologic heat and pressure over millions of years. Coal is considered a nonrenewable resource because it cannot be replenished on a human time frame.
 
The "lifecycle" of coal is a long one, with many environmentally harmful steps. The activities involved in generating electricity from coal include mining, transport to power plants and burning of the coal in power plants. When burned, numerous greenhouse gases are released, making it one of the biggest contributors to global warming.
 
Coal reserves in the U.S. stand at 268 billion tons, of which 43 percent are in surface mines. The three major coal-producing states are Wyoming, West Virginia and Kentucky. (Source: EPA / Photo: ZUMA Press)

Recent Stories


RAN's Purple Mountain Majesty

Fri, Mar 19 2010 at 12:39 AM EST

Rainforest Action Network decides enough is enough with Obama's broken promises on mountaintop mining and stages dramatic protest in front of the EPA.


Black carbon and the forgotten 50%

Thu, Mar 18 2010 at 3:26 AM EST

Scientists testified today on Capitol Hill about the quick fix for global warming -- eliminating black carbon.


Greenpeace pokes Facebook over data center

Mon, Mar 15 2010 at 1:51 PM EST

Social networking giant is under pressure to switch from coal to renewable power, but are other offenders being overlooked?


Pennsylvania coal town above mine fire claims massive fraud

Tue, Mar 09 2010 at 1:19 PM EST

Centralia residents say they have evidence that decades-long fire is 'almost out' and no longer endangers their homes, if it ever did.


Musicians rally to stop mountaintop removal

Fri, Feb 26 2010 at 3:01 PM EST

Dave Matthews, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin and others join concert to save mountains.


Coal-state Democrats oppose global-warming rules

Mon, Feb 22 2010 at 7:41 PM EST

Lawmakers say agency lacks power to restrict greenhouse gases from stationary sources such as power plants, factories and mines.


We have to take care of the coal miners first

Mon, Feb 15 2010 at 3:01 PM EST

In our rush to kill off dirty energy, we can't leave behind the workers who feed their families and put their children to school with coal wages.


Matchmaking for polluters

Thu, Feb 11 2010 at 2:28 AM EST

Is it a sign of defeat that progressive groups are resorting to sarcasm to make their point about corruption on Capitol Hill?


Few remain as Pennsylvania coal town fire still burns

Fri, Feb 05 2010 at 11:40 AM EST

State officials are now trying to complete the demolition of Centralia, even as dozens of holdouts refuse to leave.


Ripping off Dr. Seuss in the name of coal

Fri, Jan 29 2010 at 12:13 AM EST

Massachusetts-based coal company LoraxAg reached deep into the well of greenwash when they picked their name. Too bad it'll probably get them sued.


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