In an article in Forbes Magazine, the author, Christopher Helman, discusses the current issues surrounding the war on coal as a power source. The administration of President Barack Obama, under the Environmental Protection Agency, has imposed strict limits on the emissions allowed from energy-producing coal plants in America. The article suggests that President Obama is following the example of China in attempting to reduce air pollution. China, a country that uses coal as its major source of energy, has also recently begun efforts to reduce its dependence on coal. This will significantly lower the air pollution near the massive cities in China. China is building nuclear power plants to offset the loss in power from coal plants. However, the United States plans to impose significant emission restrictions on coal plants. The author wrote that the emissions restrictions are essentially impossible with the technology currently available. Emissions may be trapped and injected into the ground; however, this is cost-prohibitive.
The article is interesting because China, a country known for its pollution, is making strides to stop this. However, the article also shows the importance of a feasible plan to reduce the air pollution. If a plan is not practical, it will not succeed. The author suggests that the plan proposed by the EPA is not practical. It is doomed to failure.
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Overall, the article is very interesting. It suggests that the EPA is not taking current technology into account when devising policy. Additionally, the lack of appropriate policies suggests that the Obama administration is too concerned with one aspect of energy production. While it is important to protect the environment, the reality is the country needs significant amounts of energy. A program that is cost-efficient, energy-efficient and environmentally sounds needs to be developed. However, this program will not be developed unless all sides are practical and reasonable when examining the issues.
- Helman, C. (2013, September 12). The war on coal goes global: China bans new plants while the Obama EPA plans killer regs. Forbes Magazine. Retrieved September 21, 2103, from: http://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherhelman/2013/09/12/the-war-on-coal-goes-global-china-bans-new-plants-as-obama-epa-plans-killer-regs/
