In the United States, coal-fired power plants emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases. Many policymakers suggest using more natural gas, a lower carbon source. A recent report from the Congressional Research Service indicates that underutilized natural gas plants have the potential to displace some coal plants. Stan Kaplan, the author of the report, joins an expert panel to look at the possibilities and questions raised by the idea of coal displacement, including possible costs, supply issues, the feasibility of other alternatives, and the environmental implications.

Panelists:

• Scott Schang (Moderator), Vice President of Climate and Sustainability, Environmental Law Institute
• Stan Mark Kaplan, Specialist in Energy and Environmental Policy, Congressional Research Service
• Paul Bailey, Senior Vice President for National Affairs, American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity
• Bruce Nilles, National Coal Campaign Director, Sierra Club
• Andrew Weissman, Counsel, Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP, and Editor-in-Chief of Energy Business Watch

Read the Report: Displacing Coal with Generation from Existing Natural Gas-Fired Power Plants [1]
January 19, 2010, by Stan Mark Kaplan, Specialist in Energy and Environmental Policy, Congressional Research Service