Coal be subjected to Stricter Environmental Regulations

Coal be subjected to Stricter Environmental Regulations

Introduction

The accessibility of affordable energy will and is remained significant to the future development and economic vitality of the world. Yet, the major developments in use of renewable energy, energy analysts asserted that coal and other fuels remain the dominant sources of energy for the expected future. It is estimated that the US will continue to rely on coal to generate electricity in the fuel.

In the United States, coal mining is the most widely regulated industry. Several laws and regulations should be met before mining can occur. The increased use of coal is surrounded by many controversies due to its adverse impact on environment, the global climate and on human health. This review addresses whether and why coal should be subjected to stricter environmental regulations than other fuels.

Discussion

Coal has a vital role in economic and social development of a country. Perhaps, it is the fuel for engines and a key driver of the industrial revolution. On the other hand, several studies confirmed that coal is plentiful and cheap but a dirty fuel as it contain sulfur, which in the process of combustion forms sulfur dioxide (SO2) that enters into the atmosphere where it combines with water vapor to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which is a toxic and corrosive substance (Shi, 2008). This toxic substance was responsible to ruin marine life by contaminating rivers and lakes. Moreover, sulfuric acid has also resulted in damaging and corrosion of a huge infrastructure, bridges and buildings.

NOx (NO and NO2 - oxides of nitrogen) are formed during the combustion process. Both are precursors for tropospheric formation, which is low-level ozone that is basically a substance can cause lung diseases, such as asthma. High concentrations of low-level ozone are likely to result in high rates of mortality.

Burning coal generates exhaust gases that polluted the environment by including particulate matter into the air, in the form of sedimentary rock, coal have sand that is non-combustible inorganic matter. Such particles are a precursor to photochemical pollution, which has a drastic and adverse effect on the respiratory systems of infirm, old and young people.

Likewise, coal also contains radioactive minerals and heavy metals like uranium, vanadium and mercury. When coal is burned, these metals and minerals can mix into the environment, where they are ingested by humans. Human beings exposure with heavy metals is associated to children developmental disabilities.

In comparison to other fossil fuels, coal releases more carbon dioxide (CO2) per unit of energy. It is often believed that carbon dioxide emission from combustion of fossil fuel do not cause anthropogenic global warming. However, there are several evidences that temperatures have been effecting warming because of the greenhouse effect that is extensively acknowledged scientific phenomenon (Sajwan, Punshon & Seaman, 2006). Moreover, burning of coal produces a toxic ash that should dispose of.

These factors lead to an increasing opposition to the use of coal as a source to generate ...