You may not be fond of coal if it's in your Christmas stocking, but some see it as a useful and beneficial source of energy. Recently more energy companies have opted to build coal-burning plants, and experts are debating whether this is a viable solution to our energy needs. They say America runs on coal, but are we running in the right direction?
Coal isn’t cheap. The health and environmental damages from coal are real as are their costs. However, even without considering the cost of the environmental and social “externalities” associated with coal, building new coal plants is growing increasingly expensive due to soaring construction and transportation costs, the suspension of government loan programs, the cost of coal itself and soon-to-be enacted climate change regulations. New coal plants will only be built if investors are sure they will get their money back, meaning huge electricity rate increases for the rest of us. As prices continue to rise, ordinary citizens will bear the burden as those costs are passed on with rate increases. Many say rates will rise well above their current average of 7-8 cents/kWh, and that the implementation of unproven “clean coal” technology will would boost retail prices to as much as 18 cents/kWh.
Next Argument
Biweekly updates on new debates and experts
Please check your email to confirm your subscription.
© 2008 Opposing Views, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Opposing Views, Inc. is not responsible for the content posted on this website. Please view full disclaimer under Terms
Expert Verified
Link
