About the Economic Assessment
In 2005, the American Coal Council (ACC) published the first extensive study of the economic impact of coal ash utilization in the United States. the 128-page report examined the production and use of coal combustion products including fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag and synthetic FGD gypsum. The study identified more than $2.2 billion in annual direct economic impact from the use of the products in a variety of construction and manufacturing applications, as well as a total economic impact of nearly $4.5 billion annually.
About the Update
Since the 2005 report was published, utilization of coal combustion products has increased significantly. Additionally, regulatory scrutiny of coal ash disposal has increased on both the state and federal levels, with new federal regulations expected to be proposed by the end of 2009. Climate change legislation now moving through Congress may also affect the future value of coal ash, which can be used to offset emission of greenhouse gases. These factors, among others, have prompted the ACC to undertake an update and expansion of the 2005 report that is scheduled for publication in Fall 2009.
Click here or on the report cover for more information on the report, John Ward (the report author), advance sales, and sponsorship options.
Special thanks to our Charter Sponsors & companies who have sent in their pre-publication orders ~
For any other information on the report, please contact Janet Gellici, ACC CEO by phone at 202-756-4540, or by email.
Lessons from the Spanish Renewables Bubble
This study, sub-titled "Lessons from the Spanish Renewables Bubble" is a first critical look into the actual economic outcomes of broad government support of so-called green jobs.
While "green jobs," or "green collar jobs" are promoted as a means of lifting the country out of economic doldrums and the Spanish example has been promoted by the Obama administration as a "reference for the establishment of government aid to renewable energy," this research suggests that the Spanish -- and broader European -- support of this policy has proven "to be terribly economically counerproductive."
Study findings indicate,
Interestingly, this Universidad Rey Juan Carlos study mirrors the findings of the University of Illinois Law & Economics Research Paper (No. LE09-001), titled "Green Jobs Myths." The "Green Jobs Myths" study abstract indicates that,
In late January this year, the The Rosenkranz Foundation hosted a debate as part of the Intelligence Squared U.S. series. Held in New York City, the debate considered the proposition that "Major Reductions in Carbon Emissions Are Not Worth the Money."
The full audio of the debate is available on the NPR website. It is well worth listening to. Also interesting was the response of the audience after the debate. A large number of audience members switched from undecided to supporting the motion that carbon reductions are not worth the money.
It would seem that when more fully informed, the voting public's minds can be changed on the subject of environmental issues. To the extent that the coal industry allows the issue to remain silent, they may be ensuring difficult times ahead.
NMA Fact Sheets on the Coal Industry and Mining in the U.S.The National Mining Association has put together a group of useful and easy to understand fact sheets that provide information on the American coal and mining industries.
Be sure to check them out for extra information on,
NMA - Economic Contributions of U.S. Mining 2007From the report's Executive Summary,
Mining supports the very foundation of our economy. From the stone and gravel used to build roads and lay foundations for homes and buildings, to coal and uranium used to generate more than half of the nation’s electricity, to the copper wire that connects billions of computers to a global social and commercial network, our economy and way of life depend on the vital resources provided by mining.
While the societal value of the products generated by mining is almost immeasurable, U.S. mining also provides tangible economic contributions through its business activity. These contributions include wages paid to employees, taxes paid by industry and charitable contributions. Mining also generates economic activity in other industries through the purchases it makes and the wages those vendors and suppliers pay their employees. Combined, the total value of U.S. mining from its business activity, alone, is more than $240 billion.
Read the rest of the report as well as statistics for each state on the NMAs website.
Fraser Institute: Survey of Mining Companies 2008/2009From the Fraser Institute website (fraseramerica.org)
The global economic slowdown has cast a pall over the mining industry with the vast majority of mining executives saying they expect a severe pull back in exploration activity and at least 30 percent of exploration companies going out of business, according to the Survey of Mining Companies 2008/2009, released today by independent research organization the Fraser Institute.
“Survey responses indicate this year that the mining sector expects dramatically decreased investment and exploration along with a large number of companies either reducing activity or going out of business all together,” said Fred McMahon, coordinator of the survey and the Institute’s Director of Trade and Globalization Studies.
