Fossil Fuels. Pace and Focus of the Clean Coal Technology Program Need to Be Assessed

Abstract : Coal, one of the nation's most abundant energy resources, provides about 25 percent of the nation's energy needs. At the same time, however, emissions resulting from the burning of coal are major contributors to air pollution problems, particularly acid rain. The Department of Energy's (DOE) clean Coal Technology (CCT) program was established in 1984 to provide financial assistance to industry-up to 50 percent of a project's cost-in demonstrating the commercial applications of emerging clean coal technologies that would enhance the use of coal, but in both a more efficient and environmentally acceptable manner.