The question involves opponents of coal liquefaction technology, a primary issue being discussed at the conference.
Radical environmentalists make no secret of their hatred — and that is not too strong a word — of the coal industry. As expected, they oppose development of coal liquefaction plants — despite the fact that such technology could lessen U.S. dependence on foreign sources of energy. Air pollution is their chief concern, the radicals say.
But the environmentalists prefer not to mention the fact that a key facet of coal liquefaction development is use of “clean coal” technologies. The idea is to develop liquid fuel that, if anything, lessens the amount of pollutants pumped into the air.
The sooner U.S. leaders begin to support coal liquefaction, the better — both in terms of energy independence and reducing pollution.