The U.S. Department of Energy has noted that during the last decade, such emissions from coal-fired power plants declined 19 percent while coal used by these facilities increased 23 percent. Emissions in Illinois have declined 35 percent. While Western coal has a lower sulfur content than Midwestern coal, it generally has a lower Btu rating, or heat-producing ability, than Midwestern coal. Coal is a key ingredient to the United States' economic momentum and preservation of national security. It is a resource of international importance, holding the potential to greatly improve the balance of trade.
Nuclear energy constitutes the major alternative to coal in the future for the utility industry.
This opinion prevails in spite of continuing controversy over safety and other issues in the development of nuclear power. In fact, no new plants have been brought on line in the last 10 years. Ongoing concerns with nuclear waste, the uncertainty of absolute safety controls and vivid reminders of past nuclear plant accidents at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl all have contributed to the slower than anticipated growth of the industry.