Coming Clean On Clean Coal Technologies (NAPSA)—Invirtually all fields, products that were innovative in the past have been refined over time, and are now considered commonplace by today’s standards. For example, the first computers cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and filled an entire room. 188% since 1970... Coal-based electricity has nearly tripled Emissions of health related pollutants reduced by nearly onethird aay Now, laptop computers are so small that they fit into a backpack and are virtually as commonin the American homeasa television. The same evolution of technology can be seen in clean coal technology. Decades ago, scientists and engineers designed innovative systems to boost the environmental performance of power plants that usecoal. Most advances in clean coal technologies have occurred in two main areas: advanced pollution control systems to reduce sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions; and * super-clean, more efficient advanced power generation systems for new coal-based power plants that will power America in the decades to come. Manyof these technologies have now been commercialized for use throughout the existing electricity generationfleet. These innovative devices make it possible for existing coal-based power plants, as well as newly constructed facilities, to meet more stringent environmental performance standards. They have also madeit possible to make use of America’s vast reserves of coal to produce affordable, environmentally-friendly Source: U.S. Department ofEnergy and Environmental Protection Agency, a The use of technology reduces emissions and improves air quality. electricity for American homes and businesses—makinga contribution to both the environment and the economy. While other technologies (like hydrogen fuel cells and solar panels) may some day play a greater role in meeting America’s energy demand, traditional energy resources (like coal) will be indispensible. Using clean coal technologies can reduce emissions and improves air quality in our communities. This is true for existing and new power plants equipped with advanced pollution control devices. Experts contend the same will be true for new power plants built to meet the growing demandfor electricity and help further refine advanced generating technologies. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.ceednet.org.
