On the use of coal

In the United States, varying qualities of coal are rated based on energy content (older=higher energy) and are used as fuel for "space heat and electric power generation" (4). About half of the coal produced in the U.S. comes from Wyoming and West Virginia, and surrounding areas, with the western production areas using mainly surface mining, and eastern areas using underground mining (4). Coal accounts for more than half of the electric power generation and about one quarter of the total fuel/energy demand (4). In addition to fuel, by-products from coal processing (coke) can also be used to produce metal alloys, such as steel (2). According to the Bethlehem Coal Company in Long Island, NY, "Coal is Buried Sunshine" which was first mined in response to the steam engine expansion, and today compounds from coke processing also give rise to such everyday products as perfume, coal tar, medicines, inks, detergents, and many others (5). Image (5).