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)
Articles about Coal
Tue, Jan 24 2012 at 3:23 AM EST
Energy-related CO2 emissions will be 7 percent lower than their 2005 level of nearly 6 billion metric tons in 2020, according to new government data.Sun, Jan 01 2012 at 6:45 PM EST
You might remember the former U.S. senator from Idaho as the anti-gay politician who was arrested for lewd conduct in an airport bathroom. He's back in Washington as a lobbyist for Murray Energy.Fri, Dec 30 2011 at 9:45 AM EST
China relies on coal for nearly 70 percent of its energy needs, which have soared recently as the economy has grown at a blistering pace. Some question if mine safety has taken a hit as a result.Wed, Dec 21 2011 at 4:00 PM EST
The EPA unveiled the first-ever standards to slash mercury emissions from coal-fired plants, a move aimed at protecting public health.Wed, Dec 14 2011 at 5:22 PM EST
The coal ash seeps into environment, polluting the soil, air and ground water.Tue, Dec 13 2011 at 4:57 PM EST
An environmental monitor identified 19 new sites where groundwater near coal-ash dumps from power plants is contaminated with arsenic and other pollutants.Sun, Dec 11 2011 at 5:06 PM EST
As carbon storage plans collapse, the coal industry turns to enhanced oil recovery practices in an effort to offset their C02 emissions.Wed, Nov 30 2011 at 5:43 AM EST
Banks are exacerbating global warming by supplying power utilities and mining firms with funds to build coal-fired plants, according to a report.Sun, Nov 27 2011 at 10:33 PM EST
China, India and South Africa are collectively pouring tens of billions of dollars into new coal plants, while also pushing ahead with plans for nuclear and renewable energy generation.Fri, Nov 18 2011 at 8:48 AM EST
To be in compliance with EPA regulations, power plants must invest up to $33 billion to retrofit or replace about 62,000 MW of the grid's 70,000 MW of coal-fired generation.- 1. Recipes
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