Coal-to-Liquids process subject of Washington discussion
Risks from Abandoned Mines Reduced
Department of Energy Releases New Report on Use of Coal Utilization Byproducts (CUBs)
Into the Darkness
AGI Releases New Publication
Fueling Our Future
King Coal Comes Clean
National Coal Council Releases Report on Domestic Coal Resources
Wyoming Jobs Beckon, But Housing is Scarce

Coal-to-Liquids process subject of Washington discussion
The New York Times reports on efforts in Washington to help promote America's energy independence through government support of coal-to-liquids manufacturing plants.
Read the entire article here.

Risks from Abandoned Mines Reduced
OSM 2006 Annual Report Released

(Washington) — At least 160,000 Americans living near abandoned coal mines are safer now than they were a year ago, according to a report issued by the US Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM).

OSM today released its annual report to the President and Congress on the status of enforcing coal mining regulations and reclaiming abandoned coal mines, many of which pose safety and health risks to nearby communities. OSM reported that a total of 6,984 acres of Abandoned Mine Land problems were reclaimed or lessened during Fiscal Year 2006, reducing risks for an estimated 161,297 Americans living nearby according to Census data.

Federal, State and Indian Tribe agencies have reclaimed almost 240,000 acres of high-priority abandoned mine lands since 1977, when Congress enacted the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. During the same period the coal mining industry has successfully reclaimed about 2 million acres of mined lands under the protective provisions of the Act.

OSM's Annual Report is available online at www.osmre.gov. The report covers operations by OSM and agencies of coal States and Indian Tribes during Fiscal Year 2006 (October 1, 2005-September 30, 2006).

(More Stats below)

OSM Annual Report at a Glance
(As of October 1, 2006)

Regulation of Coal Mining
Since 1977, about 29.5 billion tons of coal have been mined under the protective provisions of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, providing power for an estimated 93 million American homes.

The coal mining industry has successfully reclaimed more than 2 million acres of mined lands.

OSM has provided $1,251,573,305 in grants to the States to assist in funding the regulation of active coal mines.

Reclamation of Abandoned Mine Lands
Federal, State and Tribal agencies have reclaimed almost 240,000 acres of hazardous high-priority coal-related problems.

Since 1977 OSM has provided $4.06 billion in grants to its partners in 24 States and three Indian Tribes to clean up dangerous abandoned mine sites.

Community Partnerships
Since 1999 OSM has awarded 161 Watershed Cooperative Agreements and amendments to existing agreements totaling $14,068,665. Ninety two projects have been completed.

Emergency Response
Since 1977, OSM has addressed 5,099 Abandoned Mine Land emergencies, while the States and Tribes have dealt with 2,764.

By the Numbers
Sample of statistics reported for Fiscal Year 2006 (October 1, 2005-September 30, 2006)

Regulation of Coal Mining
85,745 - The number of full or partial mine inspections conducted by State agencies during Fiscal Year 2006.

1,458 - The number of mine inspection visits conducted by OSM staff during 2006.

2,775 - The number of violation notices issued by State agencies.

91.5% - The percentage of coal mines inspected during 2006 found to have no off-site impacts.

49,796 - The number of acres of mined lands successfully reclaimed by coal operators and released from Phase III Performance Bonds during FY 2006.

Reclamation of Abandoned Mine Lands
161,297 - The lowest estimate, based on Census data, of the number of Americans whose exposure to potential safety risks from Abandoned Mine Lands was reduced during 2006.

6,984 - Acres of Abandoned Mine Land problems reclaimed or mitigated.

548 - Miles of streams treated for Abandoned Mine Land problems.

$302,991,805 -- Abandoned Mine Land fees collected from coal operators in FY 2006

$1,556,475 - Dollar figure of new Watershed Coopera tive Agreements funded to help communities in reduce Acid Mine Drainage from old mines in local streams.

Contact: Ben Owens (202) 208-2565

Department of Energy Releases New Report on Use of Coal Utilization Byproducts (CUBs)
When coal is burned for energy, the materials remaining after combustion have many applicable uses in society. This August 2006 topical reports highlights how CUBs are used in products ranging from synthetic wallboard to concrete.
Read the article.

Into the Darkness
With recent news reports about coal mining fatalities in West Virginia, have you thought about what it is like to work in an underground coal mine? Washington Post magazine writer Joby Warrick did, and his cover article Into the Darkness (Washington Post magazine, January 21, 2007) explores the bond between coal miners that drive them daily into underground coal mines. Read the article.

AGI Releases New Publication
The American Geological Institute recently released its newest publication in its Environmental Awareness Series. Titled Coal and the Environment, this colorful 64-page paperback book takes an unbiased look at the impacts of coal use in society and how technology helps mitigate and reduce environmental impacts from coal production and use. Includes an extensive list of web resources about coal, including online glossaries of coal terms.

Also comes with color poster highlighting the coal mining cycle, with
particular emphasis on reclamation of mine sites. Ordering and price
information is available at this link.

Fueling Our Future
Climate warming is accelerating as energy use soars. Nuclear power won't close the gap. We need to learn to live with coal. Here's one elaborate engineering solution. Jonathan Shaw, Harvard Magazine.
Read the article.

King Coal Comes Clean
Why are Kennedy School researchers singing coal's praises? Find out more about the technology to burn cleaner coal: “coal gasification”. Lory Hough, Kennedy School Bulletin, Harvard University. Read the article.

National Coal Council Releases Report on Domestic Coal Resources
The National Coal Council has issued a two-volume report called Coal:America’s Energy Future. At the request of the Secretary of Energy, NCC prepared the report concerning how domestic coal resources can help meet the Nation’s future energy needs. Volume 1 focuses on several promising clean coal technologies, including coal gasification. Volume II provides a technical overview of clean coal technologies. Downloadable copies are the reports are available here.