Should we implement Coal to oil technology in the U.S.?

Question

If we switch to coal to oil technology we not only eliminate our dependence on foreign oil, but we creat hundreds of jobs in the U.S.
http://www.glennbeck.com/2006ads/jbluctl...

The technology has been around since at least the 1930's. GERMANY used it in WWII.
The U.S. has 1/4 of the world's coal. We have more coal to oil available than the middle east has oil.
http://www.glennbeck.com/2006ads/2006har...

If for no other reason than national security. Our enemies have already said that they will destroy our economy by raising the price of oil. Venezuela has promised $100 a barrel if the U.S. imposes embargos against Iran. $400 a barrel if the U.S. impliments military action against Iran.
Will you support this technology?

http://www.glennbeck.com/2006ads/consume...

Obivously you aren't reading this. It's not BURNING coal. It's turning coal into a useable fuel source for vehicles. It's cleaner than just burning it. Feel free to do some research on the subject.

Answer 1

I am not an American but I think you would be right to decrease your dependence on foreign oil. I feel that this should probably be done on a number of fronts. The administration has announced its intention to push for biofuels to I think two to three percent of US energy in ten to fifteen years time. This may not sound much but the US market is very large and this in itself is an immense and ambitious target.

One of the problems in the US energy market has been the lack of refining capacity particularly for heavy sour crude. There are significant hurdles in finding sites for extra refining capacity. These coal to oil plants are probably significantly worse neighbours than conventional oil refineries. The initial cost estimates for large projects tend often to be way wrong and the US has stringent safety and environmental standards which can multiply costs in ensuring that everything is taken care of properly. I would be very suspicious of the costs quoted in your links and whether it is at all feasible to build them quickly on such a scale.

Answer 2

Coal is the dirtiest fuel source there is, the sulphur content alone is horrible for acid rain

Answer 3

whatever is econmically viable

tech would help too


if you have money invest it in coal

Answer 4

no it's to dirty we would have more pollution than we have already we need a cleaner solution to this problem

Answer 5

no, go solar