The Lowdown on the Gas from Coal Concept.

An old idea has resurfaced in the USA; to utilise the nation's vast coal reserves to generate gas (petrol) for transportation. This idea is supported by various groups; in particular, the Coal industry, the US Military, politicians - especially those from states with coal reserves - and the rail freight transportation companies.

In horrified opposition are all the groups who are joined in the growing acknowlegement that global warming is real and that carbon emissions need to be reduced. The process of conversion of coal to a transportation fuel is said to be 'twice as polluting' despite its being termed 'clean coal technology'.

Is 'Coal to gas' an environmental disaster, the saviour of US energy policy, or some complex mix of both, we analyze the subject and clarify the issues.