Energy from coal in the year 2000

Statistics show that in 1977 the US consumed 77.6 quadrillion Btus of energy, coal accounting for only 18.3%. Projections of total energy use in the US for the year 2000 range from a low of 95 quads to a high of 132 quads. A question had been asked: can 50% of the energy consumed by the US in the year 2000 be supplied by coal. The authors feel this can be achieved only with true national commitment backed up by an understanding and a willingness to pay the price in terms of higher fuel costs and a far more flexible approach to the critical issue of protecting our environment. Perry points out that synthetic fuel production from coal in the year 2000 could fall in the range of 1 to 10 quads, depending on a large number of factors. Additional articles from the Stevens Energy Forum state that both Mr. Wallace and Mr. Perry make clear that if coal is to furnish roughly half our energy by the year 2000, it will be necessary for the Federal government to intervene with mandates and/or incentives. It is stated in another Forum paper, asking whether widespread coal use is a viable fall-backmore » position, that answers are unsatisfactory. A definite yes or no is not possible and what has been presented includes pessimism. Perhaps the best answer is that if we decide soon enough to reach the goal, and we are prepared to exert ourselves mightily, we have a reasonable chance. A half-hearted attempt will fail, it is concluded. (MCW)« less