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Union of Concerned Scientists say biofuels a better option than coal-to-liquid fuel; major West Virginia program under scrutiny

November 15, 2007

A new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists said that converting coal into liquid fuel will worsen climate change problems, and recommended more focus on next-generation biofuels. The report said that liquid coal can increase greenhouse gas emissions by more than 80 percent, compared to gasoline.

“Biofuels have a Jekyll-and-Hyde reputation depending on what study you read and what assumptions you make, but liquid coal is a loser no matter how you look at it,” said Patricia Monahan, author of the report. West Virginia recently announced a policy of replacing 40 percent of the state’s oil consumption by 2030 with liquid fuel made from coal, and Gov. Manchin recently proposed the construction of 10 liquid coal plants in the state.

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    Written by Jim Lane · Filed Under Policy, Research, The Daily Biofuel Summary 

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