The burning of fossil fuels, particularly coal, is also the primary cause of human generated green house gases leading to global warming. The Department of Energy has requested $1.1 billion in the 2009 budget to advance technologies to substantially reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions from coal powered generating plants.
FutureGen is a $1.8 billion public-private initiative to design, build and operate a coal-fueled near-zero emissions power plants using advanced carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. On January 30, 2008 Energy Secretary Bodman announced a restructured approach to the project with $648 million requested for advanced coal research in the 2009 budget.
"As technological advancements have been realized in the last five years, we are eager to demonstrate CCS technology on commercial plants that when operational, will be the cleanest coal-fired plants in the world." Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman, January 30, 2008
Natural gas, according to the EPA, produces half as much carbon dioxide, less than a third as much nitrogen oxides, and one percent as much sulfur oxides at the power plant, compared to the average air emissions from coal-fired generation. However, its supplies will diminish with use, and by 2030 will only account for 14 percent of the ’s electricity generation.
Supporting Websites
Department of Energy, Fossil Fuels Environmental Literacy Council Coalition for Affordable and Reliable Energy (CARE)
Environmentalists are pushing for more stringent emission standards of fossil fuels, more money for research into renewable energy sources, and tax subsidies for renewable energy sources. In addition through public awareness programs they promote more environmental consciousness in businesses and homes.
Opposing Websites Union of Concerned Scientists, Clean Energy Sierra Club National Resources Defense Council Environmental Defense The Wilderness Society Climate Ark TreeHugger