Re: SC38

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/living/science/16789445.htm

Top scientist seeks halt on coal plants

One of the world's top scientists on global warming called for the United States to stop building coal-fired power plants and eventually bulldoze older generators that don't capture and bury greenhouse gases.

But 159 coal-fired power plants are scheduled to be built in the next decade or so, generating enough power for about 96 million homes, according to a study last month by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Burning coal is one of the major sources of carbon dioxide, the chief greenhouse gas causing global warming.

In prepared remarks to be delivered at the National Press Club Monday afternoon, NASA scientist James Hansen, who has been one of the earliest top researchers to warn the world about global warming, will call for a moratorium on building new coal-fired power plants.

Hansen's call dovetails with an edict by the private equity group buying TXU, a massive Texas-based utility. The equity group, led by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and Texas Pacific Group, agreed to stop plans to build eight new coal-fired power plants, not to propose new coal-fired plants outside Texas and to support mandatory national caps on emissions linked to global warming.

Hansen's presentation to the press club says all coal-fired power plants that do not capture and bury carbon dioxide "must eventually be bulldozed (before mid-century)."..............

I saw Jim Hansen in a recent CSPAN Conference, and his demeanor suggest he is under intense pressure. Jim is the head Nasa Scientist who was involved with the situation of the Bush Administration not too long ago trying to silence his expressions of grave concern about Climate Change repercussions for the world. And now Jim is calling for this moratorium on new coal plants, and for the demolition of the old ones. The Bush Administration and thier BIG COAL FRIENDS must be fuming over this. Between China and the US, the pressures put world CO2 levels in the coming decades from the increased us of coal for energy will be exceedingly bad for the world's climate. Jim's suggestion about Coal use are wise, but as to whether the big economies will take his advice, I think the populations of the affluent countries will continue to use coal in increasing amounts, feeling the pressure of dwindling oil and gas energy sources.