Sunday's SF Chron had an interesting story which addressed "clean coal." The hot new technology to clean goal is to first gasify it and then burn the gas. GE is also pushing this. How well it works remains to be seen.
Governor Schwarzenegger has committed state money ($2.5 million) toward a multi-billion transmission line to the Wyoming coal fields, where mine-mouth plants would be built. Private interests would come up with the billions for the actual construction. Then several more billions for the coal plants.
The Governor's man, Joe Desmond, talked about "near zero-emission coal plants." That remark should cost him 90% of his credibility. The governor of Wyoming, quoted in the article pointed out that the coal gasifycation plants are too expensive and consequently won't be built. But the other coal plants will be, if this line gets built.
The most interesting thing about the Chron article was "the dog that didn't bark." There were ZERO emissions from the mouths of California environmentalists or environmental organizations. Frightened of crossing the Governor. Really astonishing, that the enviros are ducking the issue when global warming is such a big concern. I think it shows that the assertion about "The Death of Environmentalism" is dead on. Sad, and also tragic.
Gene Coyle
Jim Devine wrote:
do any pen-pals have any specific knowledge about "clean" fuels such as bio-diesel and "clean" coal? do they help moderate global warming? other kinds of pollution?
