Posted on 02/26/2007 12:37:32 PM PST by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON One of the world's top scientists on global warming called for the United States to stop building coal-fired power plants and eventually bulldoze older generators that don't capture and bury greenhouse gases.
But 159 coal-fired power plants are scheduled to be built in the next decade or so, generating enough power for about 96 million homes, according to a study last month by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Burning coal is one of the major sources of carbon dioxide, the chief greenhouse gas causing global warming.
In prepared remarks to be delivered at the National Press Club Monday afternoon, NASA scientist James Hansen, who has been one of the earliest top researchers to warn the world about global warming, will call for a moratorium on building new coal-fired power plants.
Hansen's call dovetails with an edict by the private equity group buying TXU, a massive Texas-based utility. The equity group, led by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and Texas Pacific Group, agreed to stop plans to build eight new coal-fired power plants, not to propose new coal-fired plants outside Texas and to support mandatory national caps on emissions linked to global warming.
Hansen's presentation to the press club says all coal-fired power plants that do not capture and bury carbon dioxide must eventually be bulldozed (before mid-century).
The director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York, who was speaking as a private citizen, said Congress should adopt these coal cuts and if not, citizens must accomplish this. He said increased efficiency can make up for the cutbacks in coal.
Coal provides about half of the United States' electricity, according to the Department of Energy.
Hansen's call ought to be vetted by those who have an understanding of the energy demands placed on the U.S. economy, said National Mining Association spokesman Luke Popovich. When seen in light of those demands, then statements like that will appear unreasonable, to put it charitably.
I didn't know that. Interesting.
Does he propose building nuclear plants? If not, then STFU
Sounds to me like he is inciting "citizens" to bulldoze those coal plants if the government won't do it. I'm confident that the Earth Liberation Army will be happy to oblige.
Well, let's see. If we euthanize fifty or sixty million "useless eaters" in the U.S., we can stop them from breathing out all that CO2. They also won't be using lights or air conditioning any more.
Great idea. Let's start with Hansen. I'm sure he'll volunteer.
If that sounds extreme, it's not far from what these nut cases actually want. I'm sure he supports Planned Parenthood International.
Dr. Hansen wants to tear down billion dollar coal plants.
Did he bother to suggest that they install a CO2 scrubber (costing a very very small fraction of the value of the plant)? Not that I think its necessary, but a reasonable person would seek a way to mitigate a problem before suggesting that we all start from scratch.
No?
Dr. Hansen, your agenda is showing. Better pull your pants up.
New tagline bump ...
James Hansen should have all electricity cut to his home.
he should be taken off the grid.
NO! NO FIRES!
Haven't you been paying attention? And no farting either.
Yes, but he buries his personal tarry output in the backyard.
How many carbon credits do I get?
What can I use a carbon credit for?
I agree, Coal plants are filthy dirty and dangerous places to work. I have worked in several as a contractor. Now Nuke plants, you could eat off of the floors in those places. Nuclear energy should be the wave of the future. Lets make gas out of our coal.
No nuclear, no coal.
Yup, they want us back to the Stone Age (well, I guess that goes along with their Moslem sympathies).
Let's all sit in the dark and shiver.
My God ... is this Ted Kaczynski?
I like my AC, it is on now.
gee if you can make the wind blow 24/7 I am for it. But it doesn't.
If your lights go out, do not go harping at your electric provider. You have tied their hands, go B!tch to Al Gore.
what about all the pollution from the Bull Dozers?
Only if you're paying the extra fee for the "Green Power Program".
This allows your local utiltiy to direct just those electrons produced enviromentally friendly, to reach your home. Really!
Thanks for the facts.
Since I didn't see anything about alternatives in the article, and since moonbats are usually all the same, I just figured he wouldn't want nuclear either. Guess I was wrong.
How has that worked for Tipper?
They will be solar-powered, of course.
They'll be 2 miles wide and 1 mile deep, but they'll be clean.
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