Friday, May 30, 2008

Coal Use To Produce Electricity Is Growing

Electricity generation accounts for 93% of coal consumption and use increased from 1.026 billion short tons in 2006 to 1.046 billion short tons in 2007 (a 1.95% increase compared to a 1.6% increase in electricity production). Utilities paid about $36 a short ton for delivered coal in 2007, up nearly 40% from $25.82 in 2003.

The coal industry also has an outreach and lobbying arm: The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE) is being funded by $45 milllion a year by utilities, coal producers, equipment makers, railroads and other coal stakeholders. It is the successor organization for Americans for Balanced Energy Choices and the Center for Energy and Economic Development, founded respectively in 1992 and 2000. (DOE-EIA, The Wall Street Journal)

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