Coal pollution is becoming an increasingly important issue, especially in our home state and in West Virginia. And, as a means of dealing with this issue, a new project that utilizes carbon sequestration has just begun at American Electric's Mountaineer plant along the banks of the Ohio River. This project, and the larger issue it brings up concerning carbon sequestration, has already cause a lot of controversy worldwide. Kentuckians and West Virginians who live near the plant are afraid of the possible consequences and the fact that even though the project is expected to succeed, it is still just an experiment. Meanwhile, American Electric maintains that the project is very safe and is a much more environmentally friendly option of disposing of coal remnants.
I think that carbon sequestration is a very important issue to look into. A huge percentage of our state depends on coal as a major source of income, and if we can find a cleaner way of utilizing coal, our entire state would benefit. While I don't think that "clean coal" exists, I do think that "cleaner coal" exists. 90% of our state's electricity originates from coal, so if we want to continue using energy, finding a method of cleaner coal use is imperative. However, I still have doubts concerning the safety and feasibility of this matter. Although the carbon did originally come from the earth, we will be putting it back into the earth in a form which it might not be meant to be in. And, since the consequences have never been actually observed, the ambiguity of the matter necessitates that more precaution be taken. I would hate to put the safety of other citizens in danger just so we can continue burning fuel and releasing our noxious pollutants into the atmosphere... Also, the cost of this method is too high currently, making the issue a slightly less feasible option. But, if we can get the kinks worked out and it turns out to be a safe, reliable option, carbon sequestration could mean big steps for the entire world.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science/12/06/virginia.carbon.capture/index.html?iref=allsearch
Quijano, Elaine, and Eric Marrapodi. "Can Buying Carbon Emissions Work?" CNN. 7 Dec 2009
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I agree with the points Rachel makes about the importance of looking into carbon sequestration. I feel it's important to bear in mind when dealing with matters of environmental reparation to remain pragmatic in our solutions.
ReplyDeleteAn environmentally-friendly resource is only relevant so far as it can adapt to the necessities of market and provide inexpensive, abundant energy. Carbon sequestration seems to provide a compromise between the two possibilities; though it is not as environmentally beneficial as we may hope, it certainly improves current conditions and provides a means to alleviate current environmentally-degrading practices. Go rachel!