Does Coal Have a Place in the Green Energy Economy? Elizabeth Ouzts Environment North Carolina

Statewide, citizen-based advocacy group National federation: Environment America Reports: Making Sense of the Coal Rush; When it Rains, It Pours; and Feeling the Heat

Our reliance on coal causes.. Mountaintop destruction

Our reliance on coal causes… Air and water pollution

Our reliance on coal causes… Global Warming

Avoiding Dangerous Global Warming Cutting emissions by 35% by 2020 and 80% by mid-century

What about clean coal? Not exactly clean Cost Timing Scale Transparency

“Coal Rush” is slowing down 86 of 150 plants canceled Bush Administration cancels research project

What are the alternatives to coal?

Consumers and job creation More local spending, more jobs from other sources Pollution auctions to assist low- income consumers

Does coal have a place in the green energy economy? Need research on Carbon Capture & Storage Co-fire existing plants with biomass No reason to build new coal plants, unless: – Other ways of meeting energy demand are less cost-effective – Plants are capable of CCS

Green Energy Economy Study: Renewable energy and energy efficiency will create twice as many jobs, cost half as much