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Federally funded "western greenbrier" is apparently running things now, and this is what west virginia highlands people said to them: http://wvhighlands.org/wv_voice/?p=104
I didn't stray from beaten path when traveling through greenbrier so I know zilch about how this western greenbrier project is working out.
Anyone know more than what I'm finding online? Links would be appreciated.
It's a common sense thing Harborlady.
When we were kids, everyone burned coal for heating and the air was filled with stinky smoke and the winter snows were covered with soot.
Todays coal technology burns it clean and we electric users have paid the cost of the scrubbers to remove the particulate matter from the smoke. I've always been impressed with the power plant at Shinnston. In the early days a problem existed with the acid content of rain water disolving the paint off of local cars but with the second stage of pollution scrubbers that problem has been solved.
The only thing a person sees is a cloud of steam from the cooling stack...no odor either.
People know that if coal can be used this efficiently, it can be used for fuel generation too...they are waiting for this...see will see it soon..and its not a new thing.
In 1947, then congressman Jennings Randolph flew in a plane to Washington from Morgantown...the fuel in the tanks had been processed from the Morgantown plant and had been made from coal...project never got further than that demonstration. Now were are going back to those old days...
It's a common sense thing Harborlady.
When we were kids, everyone burned coal for heating and the air was filled with stinky smoke and the winter snows were covered with soot.
Todays coal technology burns it clean and we electric users have paid the cost of the scrubbers to remove the particulate matter from the smoke. I've always been impressed with the power plant at Shinnston. In the early days a problem existed with the acid content of rain water disolving the paint off of local cars but with the second stage of pollution scrubbers that problem has been solved.
The only thing a person sees is a cloud of steam from the cooling stack...no odor either.
People know that if coal can be used this efficiently, it can be used for fuel generation too...they are waiting for this...see will see it soon..and its not a new thing.
In 1947, then congressman Jennings Randolph flew in a plane to Washington from Morgantown...the fuel in the tanks had been processed from the Morgantown plant and had been made from coal...project never got further than that demonstration. Now were are going back to those old days...
I know what a burnt out hull of a town shamokin pa was when coal dried up for them in 70's. I know the stories I heard about coal fired heating systems in nyc tenements killing people w/ carbon monoxide. I saw ashtabula, ohio first hand. Mind bender for me to consider coal as clean.
Scrubbers sound good. Coal gasification- relative to what WV alone consumes, are they able to gear it produce enough for at least that much? What about the ash/sludge residue they talk about? Does that get recycled into something else? Did the coal company promise to set limits upon themselves how many mountains they'll be leveling (it's my understanding that about 90% of wv has no mineral rights)? I know you've said they're not the guys they used to be, but what happens to WV when a demand gets so great?
Mostly what I'd like to know is if this really is good for WV citizens. I don't like getting caught off guard with referendums on a ballot. I need to get caught up because the times have been changing, and coal has evolved somewhere, but that DOE site sounds like a total hard sell.
I'm also considering a plan B heating/cooking option in the basement if I should have problems with gas delivery to the house & potential pipes freezing. I guess pex would solve the latter. I'm partial to wood pellet stoves, but did find some neat old fashioned coal stoves here if anyone is interested. http://www.vogelzang.com/cast-iron-stoves.htm
Hinton- i prefer nat king cole in my stocking, or at least faux renditions of chipmonks roasting on an open fire, hot sauce dripping from their toes.
three- it makes me uneasy thinking at any time a coal company could tell me I have to uproot over eminent domain issues, and I like the landscape as is tyvm. I doubt they'd ever be active in charleston, but if I wanted to buy multi acreage parcel, could I ever build on it and be certain?
Germany has been converting coal to liquid vehicle fuel since WWII. It is also in use in parts of Africa. China is headed in that direction as well.
Capito bill would set coal-to-liquid fuel mandate (broken link)
Mr. MoJo was asking the Chinese to come to Wv and build a plant or two. I've been hearing their technology is the best...must have stolen it from the Germans.. thats a joke...
aliceT ty for that
"Capito, however, said modern technology can convert coal to clean, sulfur-free synthetic oil and fuel for approximately $35 to $45 a barrel. Crude oil prices were hovering around $130 a barrel Tuesday."
What this translates to, pressuming this is a similar breakdown to regular refining costs and crack spreads: $1.45 gal gas & diesel, but likely won't been seen at the pump as such due to international market establishing fair market values. Good stock to have in portfolio if they are publically traded FYI. Those are some seriously healthy margins.
DK I think the chinese realize how much that hurts them in the business world so they've curbed that a bit. My impressions at least. Is WV coal sponsoring this plant (splitting up into another company) or is another company outside taking over the job as if outsourced?
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Welcome to City-Data.com forum! Make sure to register - it's free and very quick! You have to register before you can post and participate in our discussions with 700,000 other registered members. User profiles and some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your free account you will be able to customize many options, you will have the full access to over 15,000 posts/day about local topics and you will see fewer ads. 
environmentalists and coal can work it out?
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