"A Different Perspective"

In between classes the other day I was on You Tube looking at videos when I found this video advertising for “clean coal.” This video first caught my attention when they explained how 50% of America’s electricity comes from coal! I had no idea coal was used that much, let alone for half of our electricity. This video put a very positive environmental spin on coal usage in the U.S. By pointing out all the advantages of using coal like how it is almost a third of the cost and a very abundant fuel source. This left me with a new feeling of coal being a very good source of fuel, where as before I looked at coal as being a very negative source of fuel. In addition, this video’s environmental objective got me to doubt my original opinion of coal. It showed a scene of a father saying good night to his daughter and turning off the lights. It was very easy to relate to and gave me a sense of how coal could be safe and how it is a source of security for the
“American family.”Their advertisement was well thought through and quite effective. Coal might have some negative impacts on our environment but new technology is making coal even cleaner. According to American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, “America’s coal-based generating fleet is 70% cleaner (based upon regulated emissions per unit of energy produced) thanks, in part, to $50 billion invested in new technologies.” They also explained how America has more than 200 years of available coal reserves. In conclusion, I believe coal is a good source of fuel for right now, but this definitely does not mean we shouldn’t look into alternative fuels for the future.