Ikelic - Alliance Digital Repository

COAL
tribute to the economical utilization of coal in
IGCC power generation as well as for synthesis
gas and hydrogen production.
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ENVIRONMENT
NATIONAL COAL ASSOCIATION ADDRESSES
ISSUE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Since the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro,
there has been a greatly increased awareness of
practices leading to the "sustainability"
of natural
resources. Many nations are now in the process
of preparing recommendations on activities that
may be adopted to support the philosophy of sus
tainable development-meeting the needs of
present generations without compromising the
ability
of future generations to meet their own
needs. The National Coal Association (NCA) has
published an "Issue in Brief on the subject.
The President's Council on Sustainable Develop
ment is formulating recommendations on initia
tives the United States might undertake. Among
the key elements of this White House initiative are
respect for the environment and an economy
"that equitably provides opportunities for satisfy
both
ing livelihoods and a safe, high quality life,"
now and in the years ahead.
Without a doubt, says NCA, the catalyst for the
type of economy envisioned for a sustainable
United States of America is an abundant, secure
and affordable energy supply. And the stability
and foundation of this energy supply is built on
the availability and cost of domestic resources,
particularly coal.
Energy is what makes the increasingly electrified
economy
environmentally sound manner. A steadily in
of the nation operate in an efficient and
creasing reliance on coal has played a significant
role in helping the U.S. sustain economic growth
while simultaneously achieving environmental
improvements over the past 20 years. During
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this period, coal has become the nation's primary
source of domestic energy production.
America's 250-year supply of coal makes it the
only domestic source of energy that meets the
definition of "sustainability."
The country can
safely and confidently use coal without com
promising the aspirations and needs of future
generations.
CoaJ has become a vital source of both direct
and indirect positive impacts on the U.S.
economy. Beyond the energy it provides, coal
mining, transportation and use results in creation
of millions of jobs directly and in allied industries;
the production of goods and services throughout
the economy; and the generation of capital and
tax payments.
Driving these contributions are technological
achievements second to none. The continuous
introduction of new technologies has changed vir
tually every aspect of the industry, including the
way coal is explored, mined, loaded, marketed,
shipped and used. Technological advances have
made the processes of coal extraction, move
ment and combustion more efficient, productive,
safe and environmentally compatible. This has
important ramifications for a future of clean, abun
dant and affordable energy-the building block of
sustainable development-both at home and
abroad.
Electricity, Coal and the Economy
Since 1971, America's use of coal has risen
85 percent, with most of the increase devoted to
electricity production. Each percentage increase
of real GDP in general results in nearly a
1 percent rise in the demand for
electriclty-57 percent of which is provided by
coal.
Environment
Although coal use has risen dramatically over the
past 2 decades, the U.S. has experienced a
steady improvement in air quality. This is a testa
ment to a number of factors, including more effi-
THE SYNTHETIC FUELS REPORT, JANUARY 1995