“Clean Coal” There is No Such Thing!

Lately, I’ve noticed an increase in TV ads promoting “Clean Coal.” Because I have a background in chemistry and energy efficiency, I know there is no such thing.

Coal is dirty and polluting from beginning to end. Huge diesel-powered machines exhaust black particulates and carbon dioxide as they move tremendous amounts of dirt and rock from mountain tops and deep earthen mines. They extract and load the dusty coal onto rail cars leaving behind mining waste that fills valleys and streams or is turned into mountains of toxic waste. Then hundreds of diesel-powered locomotives haul hundreds of coal-filled cars over thousands of miles of tracks to power plants nationwide.

Power plants produce still more pollution when they combust this high-grade coal to generate the heat that turns turbines to generate electricity. Just how dirty is coal when it’s combusted? Based on carbon combustion stoichiometry, for each ton of anthracite coal burned (83% carbon), approximately three tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) are released into the air [(12 lb. C)+(32 lb. O2) → (44 lb. CO2 or 3.04 lb. CO2 / lb.of coal]. Go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coal

Plus, mercury, arsenic and other toxic heavy metals are released as vapor or as particulates which pollute the air, soil and water wherever they condense or fall.

It is common for a coal generation plant to burn 100 rail cars of coal (115 tons per rail car) every day, generating about 69,000,000 pounds (34,500 tons) of CO2. It is just not practical or economical to compress, bury, sequester or haul away this amount of pollution! And this is only the waste for one coal generation plant – there are thousands of such plants around the world.

On top of that, the entire process of generating and using electricity from coal—from mining to delivering it to your home—is very inefficient. How inefficient depends on how far the coal is hauled, its quality, the efficiency of the power plant, how far electricity travels over high-voltage power lines, and how efficiently it is used by consumers for lights or air conditioning and manufacturing. Estimates suggest the process is from 25 to 40 percent efficient, but when all sources of energy used to generate power from coal are considered – from mining to the lights and comfort of your home -- these numbers are likely exaggerated on the high side.

Why does it matter that ads are promoting Clean Coal? Because it’s a misrepresentation of the characteristics of a product—the basis of false advertising—that misleads the public into thinking burning coal has no damaging effects. Prominent atmospheric scientists and ecologists have confirmed otherwise: increased amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere are the cause of global warming and climate change on Earth. And because CO2 is chemically stable, it will stay in the atmosphere for hundreds of years.

So the next time you hear the words “Clean Coal” broadcast publicly, recognize it for what it is: irresponsible and greedy false advertising whose sponsors should be prosecuted for their crimes.

Energy Improvement Loans

I believe many more home owners would make energy improvements for their home if:
     *  The immediate savings in utility costs were sufficient to pay for most of the principal and interest to repay the loan, and secondly,
     *  They could borrow the funds needed with no money down.

A relatively new loan product, called an “Energy Improvement Loan” could finance energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy installations. Yes, the savings in utility bills would pay for most – maybe all -- of the principal and interest, and the tax credits and applicable utility incentives would go directly to you as the home owner. These loans could be used for a geothermal or new high efficiency heating and air conditioning system; house and duct air sealing, more insulation, new windows, a solar water heater or solar electric generation system that runs your meter backwards! And with a relatively high credit score, a bank may loan you the amount you need with no down payment.

Unlike a car, pickup, boat, or motor home loan, these consumer loans would actually have a positive return on investment (ROI) with immediate positive cash flow. What may be most significant in the future is that the homeowner will lock-in on the increasing tax-free savings for many years to come.

The focused marketing of such loans by banks could be a unique way for them to serve their customers. They would make it possible for their customers to realize utility and energy savings, increased equity or the real estate value of their homes and improve their level of comfort. In addition, these loans would stimulate immediate growth in the local and national economy, and employ a variety of workers.

Also, chances are the best type of people – the ones banks will want to do business with – will be applying for these loans. The related risks for the consumer or the bank will be very low. I believe it would be most effective to market them as “consumer loans” rather than “home equity loans” that require more documentation and an appraisal.

Similar loan and lease programs are now being offered by a few banks, credit unions, utilities and leasing companies in scattered locations around the country.

Please ask your banker or utility company if they offer energy improvement loans. If they do not, ask them why, and then encourage them to begin offering them. I would like to have feedback on what they say, what is being offered, and by whom? I will look forward to reading your comments.

A Personal Lifestyle Choice

Over the past 45 years, I slowly gained weight – lost a little now and then – but the trend was upward. In fact over these years, I added about 57 pounds – didn’t seem bad – just 1.22 pounds per year!

During the past eight months I have completely reversed this gain and have now lost 55 pounds and am diligently working to lose at least two or three more! I am back to the weight that I carried when I played football and was in the Marine Corps!

I was like toting around all the time a fifty-pound bag of cement mix, or three large concrete blocks – no wonder I now have more physical and mental energy! And, my cholesterol has dropped from 197 to 143; my blood pressure is down too, but most importantly my self esteem is up and I look and feel better.

So, how did I do it? I was strongly motivated to just look better, and to “buy some additional good years” in my life. I had tried fad diets like Sugar Busters, and Adkins’ and more exercise, but I soon gained back the relative few pounds I had lost. I did cut out sugar – particularly nearly daily doses of ice cream – but I was looking for a life-style change for greater longevity and healthier happier living.

One of my associates suggested reading the book, The China Study, by Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell II. I read it cover to cover and have re-read some parts of it. The information in it has made a real difference for me! I have changed my eating simply said, to fibrous vegetables and fruits which contain natural protein and carbohydrates. I do not eat meat or dairy products. I try to exercise daily and walk two to six miles each day. I snack on good foods, but do not now crave sweets.

This is the vegan diet that former President Bill Clinton has practiced since having multiple heart and vascular surgeries and related problems, and as publicized by Sanjay Gupta on CNN Television (http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/08/18/bill.clinton.diet.vegan/index.html ) .

Interestingly, if people eat more vegetables and less meat, particularly beef, it will have a favorable effect on the environment too.

To quantify my exercise and walking, I wear a FitBit (http://www.fitbit.com/ ) to count or measure my activities. It is somewhat like a pedometer, but the data is electronically synchronized with my computer to keep continuous records – by the day, or month – by the steps, or miles or calories! It is motivating for me to know accurately how I am doing.

I am now confident that I will live longer and enjoy life more!