The Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary has a new web site and are asking everyone to visit the new web site www.friendsofcoalladies.com as many times as you can. For each time you visit, the web site moves up so when you type “coal” into your search engine the web site will be one of the top listed in your search. The site also hosts a full store for purchase of FOC items and wearing apparel.
At the very same time that U.S. electricity producers are slashing their use of coal for economic and environmental reasons, countries around the world are dramatically increasing their use of the fuel. A look at coal and electricity demand in locations from Hanoi, Vietnam to Dusseldorf, Germany shows that the rest of the world is not going beyond coal. In fact, just the opposite is happening.
Between 2001 and 2010, U.S. coal consumption fell by 5 percent. But over that same time period, global coal consumption soared by 47 percent, or the equivalent of 23 million barrels of oil per day. Put another way, over the past decade or so, global coal consumption increased by about the same amount as the growth in oil, natural gas, and nuclear combined.
Over the years the electric utility industry here in West Virginia has repeatedly asked the coal industry to weigh in and join them in matters of economics, environmental policy and encroachment by other base fuels into the electric generation process.
Ranging from funding for the federal clean coal technology programs, sitting and permitting issues, water usage and routine “rate increase” hearings before the Public Service Commission or even pathways for new power lines, the power industry has not hesitated to summon the assistance of coal to intervene on its behalf. And, over the years the coal industry has been quick to respond.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Melanie Vickers contends that switching from working in education to completing 100 hours of coal mining training isn't such a big change.
"I'm a lifelong learner," the retired assistant superintendent for Kanawha County middle schools said. "I hope that's true of all educators."
Vickers recently earned her red hat in underground coal mining from the Academy for Mine Training and Energy Technologies. With the information she's acquired, she plans to write a children's book.
Vickers was born in coal country and lived in Man. Part of her interest in coal mining stems from her family members, several of whom worked in the mines.
The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) rejection of the Spruce Coal mine permit is the subject of today's hearing of the Minerals Resources Subcmte. of the House Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO) chairs the hearing.
Spruce Coal Mine earing: Live Now