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Mining
Resources 'Clean technology' or not, the dilemma faced with America’s Energy
(*Gov Sites) 1. Profile of the Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation Industry (1997). EPA Office of Compliance Sector Notebook Project. Retrieved on Jan. 29, 2007 from http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/publications/assistance/sectors/notebooks/ This article has a wealth of information pertaining to fossil fuels and their processes involved within generating electricity. There is a detailed section about the types of coal processing and emissions. The website also has possibly more resources related to the topic to research later. The information is based upon the federal government’s findings and reports. It is intended to provide technical information pertaining to economic and technological understanding of energies for the utilization and benefit of society. 2. Coal Consumption by Sector: Energy Information Administration. Retrieved on Jan. 29, 2007 from http://www.fedstats.gov/key_stats/index.php?id=eia The website provides national and state analyses, reports and forecasts regarding the coal, the industry, and electrical power generation through coal. There are also reports on all other forms of energy including renewable and their current power-generating capabilities. The organization is a part of the government and provides non-biased real time data with forecasted information through trends and models. 3. Scientists, Engineers, and Technicians in the United States (1999). Detailed Statistical Tables. National Science Foundation. Retrieved on Feb.03,2007 from http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/nsf05312 The National Science Foundation website provides detailed statistically data on many resources including the energy industry. The articles found on the website provide a number of human resources allocated to specific energy industries as well as general industries. There are also tables providing income within specified areas as well. The organization is funded by the federal government and seeks knowledge in science for societies needs. The data provided on the site is nonbiased, but base their studies toward benefiting humanity regarding our energy needs and don't want to shake up our economy or way of life. 4. Understanding Air Quality (2005). NOAA. Retrieved on Feb. 05, 2007 from http://www.research.noaa.gov/weather/t_understanding.html. NOAA’s page on air quality is a valuable source for information regarding my topic. It provides the current dilemma faced with air pollution in the US and provides some basic statistical data relating to human health impacts. It also helps discuss what air quality is and the current scientific basis as well as research in air quality monitoring. There are also a lot of good links relating to these areas of study with NOAA and other sources. The NOAA is a federal organization that is a leader in scientific research, and seeks n extensive knowledge base regarding the natural environment. Often time, it is used to make better decisions regarding the health and economy for society.
(*Org Sites) 1. Charli E. Coon (2001). Why President Bush Is Right to Abandon the Kyoto Protocol. The Heritage Foundation. Retrieved on Jan 14, 2007 from http://www.heritage.org/Research/EnergyandEnvironment/BG1437.cfm The author presents flaws in the Kyoto protocol (e.g. exempt nations and the capacity for developed nation to meet demands) and the economic challenges faced with the United States if President Bush signs the Protocol. The organization is a “research and educational institute” that formulates it’s values based upon the freedoms of opportunity and an individuals right’s to economic gain. From their mission statement, it is clear that any government control to regulate the use of coal as energy is against their ideals. Their view in the article is valid from a “business as usual” with little change over time, so that a fragile U.S. economy will not panic. 2. Everglades face new pollution threat: Coal-burning power plants (2007). Environment Florida. Retrieved on Feb.01, 2007 from http://www.environmentflorida.org/html/newsletters/winter07 The article is an important component to this issue regarding the research. FPL has pulled permits to use “clean coal technologies” and build a coal plant near the Everglades. The proposal indicated is one of two in the current future with up to 9 more in the distant future. The Environment Florida is a environmentally biased organization that believes any change to Florida’s water, air, and natural environment raises serious alarms. They believe that any type of “coal technology”, especially in the ‘Glades, is a serious threat to the integrity of the natural system. 3. Clemmer, Steve & Barbara Freece (2006). Gambling with Coal: How Future Climate Laws Will Make New Coal Power Plants More Expensive. Union of Concerned Scientists. Retrieved on Feb.01, 2007 from http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/documents/clean_energy/gambling_with_coal_final_report_sept_06.pdf The use of “Clean Coal Technologies” and the economic gain for using coal to solve U.S. energy needs is injudicious. As scientific evidence unfolds connecting Global Warming with CO2 emissions through anthropogenic sources, economic investments in coal is a huge environmental and economic risk. They are a non-profit group of professional scientists that are dedicated to preserving the integrity and health of the natural environment and humanity. Therefore, the article provided discusses an issue that is not economically or politically biased.
4. Canine, Craig (2005). How to Clean Coal: If we burn this stuff the old way, the Planet is toast. But a new technology is waiting in the wings. onearth. Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC). http://www.nrdc.org/onearth/05fal/coal1.asp This source provides information about how “clean coal technology” can ease the environmental alarm on CO2 emissions from burning coal and it’s impact on Global Warming. It also provides excellent source of current laws and regulations as of 2005. They are an “environmental action organization” and are against the emissions that coal power plants create. However, the article discusses the positive aspect of using the “clean coal technology”. Although it is not an answer to the problem, they are acknowlding that it is better than the current dilemma with older methods.
(*Com Sites)
1. FPL's Coal Power Plant in Glades County (2006). Radiobroadcast, WGCU. Retrieved on Feb. 04, 2007 from http://www.wgcu.org/gclive_shows.asp
Talks about increased Florida population and we need more power to generate electricity to support growth. There are several different views on the subject that include a FPL representative, Sierra Club, and audience call-ins. FPL states their belief in using renewable energies such as photovoltaic. They also state that the coal will come from the Appalachia’s and from sources throughout the world, particularly Columbia Brazil (they all use mountain-top removal). The site also provides a link to FPL plans on the facility @ http://www.fpl.com/environment/plant/gladespowerpark.shtml.
The broadcast takes into account the two opposing sides to this issue. WGCU maintains neutrality and allows listeners to participate in the discussion. This is an excellent resource for use in my paper.
2. Rosenthal, Elisabeth, & Andrew Revkin (2007). Panel Issues Bleak Report on Climate Change. New York Times. Retrieved on Feb.03, 2007 from http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/02.
Scientists stated in there most recent report, that anthropogenic impacts are the driving factor behind global warming trends. The IPCC made their first report since 2001 on the subject. The remainder of the article discusses the environmental impacts and changes due to carbon increases in the atmosphere.
One of the most highly regarded scientific panel reporting on global climate change, the IPCC statement is a clear statement about the environmental consequences of burning fossil fuels. The NY Times is not an advocate of the Bush Administration and the articles provided can depict their view.
3. Reynolds, Paul (2007). Why Bush Pulled Out. BBC.com. Retrieved on Jan.14, 2007 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/1248757.stm.
This article discusses President Bush’s political and economic stance on why the United States will not follow the Kyoto Protocol. The author also writes about former attempts by former U.S. Presidents to set in motion lower emission initiatives.
Due to geographic and political differences regarding the Kyoto Protocol (ie., U.S. and U.K. policies). It is clear that there is an underscore of disregard to Bush’s stance in the policy within the article; however, it delivers a clear approach to why the U.S. will not sign the Kyoto Protocol.
4. Florida Demo Tames High Sulfur Coal: Delivers Power At Very Low Emissions (2005). National Energy Technology Laboratory. Science Daily.com Retrieved on Feb.04, 2007, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/05/050504104154.htm
The material presented announces that Jacksonville, FL’s revamped coal power plant (using circulating fluidized bed [CFB] combustion), and is one of the cleanest coal-burning power plants according to Power magazine’s standards. Monitoring of So2 and Nox emissions revealed levels below federal law and regulations required. The science daily is a for-profit organization (through advertisement) and writes about the newest research, technologies, and science. This particular article talks about the great achievements of the “clean-coal” power plant, but leaves out what pollutions are actually being emitted. Thus, although the technology is a great improvement, it is not a solution to our increasing problems of fossil fuel needs.
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Website by Rob Leisure (2007). rmleisur@eagle.fgcu.edu FGCU logo © 2006 |
