President of National Mining Association says coal looks bright

(Dave Thompson, Prairie Public) Bismarck, N.D. (AP) The president of the National Mining Association says the current political landscape seems favorable toward developing coal resources for electricity.

Kraig Naasz (GNAWS) says that with fears of turmoil in the Middle East, people are looking to coal as an alternative for liquid fuel and other power sources.

Naasz says North Dakota is on the cutting edge, with its existing Great Plains Synfuels plant and a proposal for a "coal liquification" plant near Underwood. He also says technology has advanced so much that a "near-zero" emissions power plant is becoming a reality.

Naasz spoke to the Lignite Energy Council meeting that continues today in Bismarck.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-26-06 1026CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list