Coal Can Do That: Energy for the 21st Century

Major Studies

Multiple studies demonstrate that increasingly clean electricity from coal drives down energy costs, improves quality of life and helps Americans live longer and better.

American Energy Security
This study from the Southern States Energy Board presents a plan for United States energy security using more coal to create liquid transportation fuels.

Analysis of the Impact of High Oil Prices on the Global Economy
Developed by the International Energy Agency, the paper discusses the potential impact of escalating oil prices on oil-importing countries and on the global economy as a whole.

Bad News for Science in “Newsweek”
This white paper challenges Newsweek Magazine’s linkage of contemporary weather events to climate change by using data from weather disasters from the early 1900’s.

Boxer and McCain-Lieberman Bills Harm U.S. Economy and Jobs
This article by Unions for Jobs and the Environment assesses the impact of early 2007 federal climate proposals, based on a 2007 Massachusetts Institute of Technology study of these measures.

Clean Coal Technologies – Promise of a New Generation
Developed by the Center for Energy and Economic Development, the summary provides insight on how technology makes electricity from coal an increasingly clean energy resource for America's future.

Coal: America's Energy Future
This study by the National Coal Council identifies opportunities for using coal tocreate clean electricity and alternative energy forms.

Consensus?  What Consensus? Among Climate Scientists, the Debate is Not Over
This paper by Britain’s Lord Monckton, former advisor to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, challenges the claim that there is scientific consensus about catastrophic climate change.

Electricity From Coal Powering America
Conducted by Penn State economists Dr. Adam Rose and Bo Yang and peer reviewed by Dr. William Schaffer, the study examines the impact of coal-fueled electricity to the U.S. economy, projecting the average annual benefit of $411 billion in 2010.

Energy Cost Burdens on American Families
Developed by Americans for Balanced Energy Choices, the report shows how rising energy costs impact family budgets and underscores the need for balanced energy policies to maintain stable energy prices.

Energy Cost Impacts on American Families, 1997-2007
Developed by Americans for Balanced Energy Choices, this report reveals how high energy costs affect low- and middle-income Americans, and how electricity from low-cost coal maintains stable prices.

Energy, Economy and Environment:  Inextricable Linkage
This climate policy guide was prepared by the Center for Energy and Economic Development as a guide for public policymakers considering climate-related regulation.

Electricity From Coal: Powering Our Future
This summary of the updated Penn State study was prepared for policy makers by CEED.

Good Science Good Health: Bringing Scientific Relevance to Environmental Health Concerns
Prepared by Dow AgroSciences, this document provides information to help state legislators distinguish fact from speculation and identify trustworthy sources of information regarding environmental impacts on health.

Key Facts About the Electric Power Industry
This fact book from the Edison Electric Institute provides information and data about the electric power industry and the role of investor-owned electric utilities.

Mortality Reductions from the Use of Low-Cost Coal-Fueled Power
A peer-reviewed study co-authored by Daniel E. Klein and Ralph L. Keeney, the study reveals that at least 14,000 to 25,000 premature adult deaths each year — and perhaps as many as 100,000 per year — are avoided by using inexpensive electricity from coal.

NERC 2007 Long-Term Reliability Assessment
This report by the North American Energy Reliability Council discusses the long term reliability of — and the challenges facing — the electricity grid in North America.

Peaking of World Oil Production: Impacts, Mitigation & Risk Management
The report developed for the Department of Energy voices concerns over the possibility that world oil production capacity is peaking. The report analyzes viable technologies to mitigate the pending oil shortage.

Refusing to Repeat Past Mistakes: The Kyoto Protocol and Impacts on U.S. Minorities
Developed by Management Information Services, the report considers how the Kyoto Protocol would disproportionately threaten the economic well-being of Blacks and Hispanics in the United States.

Regional Markets for FutureGen Products
Prepared by the West Virginia Development Office and the Center for Business and Economic Research at Marshall University, the report provides details on how the FutureGen facility will produce and promote hydrogen as an energy source.

Responsibility, Stewardship, Accountability:  The Shareholder-Owned Electric Power Industry’s Commitment on the Environment
This first-ever synthesis of the range of the electric utility industry’s activities and challenges summarizes companies’ efforts and the steps demonstrating continuous environmental improvement.

Storage of Carbon Dioxide in Geologic Structures:  A Legal and Regulatory Guide for States and Provinces
This report by the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission includes background materials and a model statute and administrative rules to promote and regulate geologic storage of carbon dioxide.

Sunrise in Coal Fields: Coal's Role in a Peak Oil World
Prepared by Matthew R. Simmons of energy investment bank Simmons & Company, the presentation discusses how greater coal use can meet the nation's increasing energy needs.

The Economic Impacts of Coal Utilization and Displacement in the Continental U.S., 2015
This study updates the original “Penn State Study.” Prepared by Dr. Adam Rose and Dan Wei of the Pennsylvania State University, the study provides state-specific information on the importance of coal to the economy.

The Impact of Increased Energy Costs on Businesses and Jobs
This report produced by Management Information Services analyzes the impact of increasing energy costs on the U.S. economy, industry and jobs, and calls for greater use of low-cost energy to maintain global competitiveness.

The Increasing Burden of Energy Costs on Low Income Consumers
This analysis by the American Gas Association describes the disproportionate impact of energy costs on low income consumers and the likelihood of increased challenges if energy costs continue to escalate.

The Myth of Dangerous Human-Caused Climate Change
This scientific rebuttal, prepared by R.M. Carter, PhD, with the Science & Public Policy Institute, questions humankind’s role in climate change.

What Generation Mix Suits Your State?  Tools for Comparing Fourteen Technologies across Nine Criteria
This report by the National Regulatory Research Institute (NRRI) is a guide for state policy makers who want to determine the best mix of fuels and technologies to meet their electricity needs. NRRI is the official research arm of NARUC, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.

World Energy Outlook: Energy and Poverty
Developed by the International Energy Agency, the paper analyzes the correlation between energy use and poverty in developing countries, concluding that access to low-cost electricity is essential for economic and social development.