Importance of this Book
In our society today many aspects of coal power are vigorously debated. However, too often people with an agenda present lies about coal power as absolute truth. Too often the policy-makers make bad decisions based on emotions or on myths rather than on evidence. Too often the citizens are bombarded with conflicting information, leaving them confused. That is why this book is so important. This book provides the unbiased, accurate truths of all aspects related to coal power.
I had no agenda when researching and writing this book. I never had any preconceived theories to prove or disprove.
Certainly I had questions (the same questions you do). Therefore I spent a significant amount of time to find the answers. I embarked on an expedition, a quest, to learn the science, to understand the technologies, and to separate truth from fiction, for all aspects of coal power.
In this book you now have the summation of my journey. In this book you will find the accurate, unbiased answers to all your questions regarding coal power technologies.
Accuracy of this Book on Coal Power
I never relied solely on the conclusions of other researchers. Instead, I performed many other tasks to ensure that all conclusions were accurate.
Note that my background is in Chemistry, and I have used all of my technical knowledge to analyze each aspect of coal power.
I examined primary data whenever possible. I have read the fine print on how research was obtained. I have also checked the accuracy of the conclusions written by other researchers, most commonly by finding at least three distinct sources for each fact.
In addition, I performed my own calculations numerous times to prove (or disprove) conclusions and final data found in various reports.
It is only after such rigorous investigations that I created data tables and wrote summaries. Because of the labor I have performed in fact checking, I fully stand by every statement and every data item in this book.
Information Not Found Anywhere Else
In addition to the accurate information, this book also has information which is not found in any other book, journal, or website. Some of this information includes:
1) Mining Safety: The latest mining safety techniques, from experts in West Virginia and Kentucky. This includes techniques to reduce Black Lung, which are not yet known to the highest levels of the Mine Safety Health Administration.
2) Temperature Data: You have heard about “global warming” – now see some actual temperature data. Find temperature data here that you will not find in other books.
3) Mercury Emissions: The science of mercury emissions from coal power plants has only recently been studied. The data is also scattered. This is the first book which collects all the latest science behind mercury emissions and mercury capture.
4) Global Temperature: An entire chapter is devoted to the issue of coal power and environmental temperature. This is a complex topic, with many factors. In this book you will find a clear explanation of each factor, combined with a chemical engineer’s analysis of each.
5) This book also explains the information very clearly. There are many scientific concepts, including aspects of chemistry, physics, and biology. All of these concepts are explained very clearly, in such way that any reader will be able to understand, regardless of background.
Fact-Based Conclusions
Note that while I have never had an agenda, I do have conclusions. These conclusions are based on the facts I have carefully researched and analyzed. I will not be shy about stating these fact-based conclusions.
For the record, I am now a general supporter of coal power. I had no opinions either way at the beginning of the project, but the facts have led me to where I stand today.
In the beginning of my research, I thought I might find that coal power was bad for the environment, that clean coal technologies were inadequate, and that coal power contributed to global warming. Instead, after studying the data, I have learned that coal power can be clean. I have learned that coal power can coexist with the environment. This is not what I believe – this is what the data shows.
It is important that you know that all my conclusions throughout this book which appear to support specific areas of coal power have come from detailed and diligent research.
It was not prior opinions nor a prior agenda to prove. Nor was it simply reading the words of the coal power industry and accepting those words at face value. All statements, data, and conclusions which appear to be in support of coal power in any way have come from detailed research and analysis, using a variety of sources, many of which are opposed to coal power or have no affiliation with coal power.
All of this information will be discussed and presented scientifically throughout the book.