Here’s a call to the newly-forming Obama administration to re-analyze the idea of “clean” (greenwashed) coal, and to please not include it in the green economic stimulus package which is likely to occur.

Coal is most likely critical to maintaining a base load and to keeping the electricity grid flexible. However, there is no solution to be found in coal-related techniques. There are only expensive mistakes to be made there.

It will be extremely tempting to use coal, because there is so damn much of it. Think of coal as the crystal meth of energy. Easy to get, easy to make, feels great for a while, and the aftermath is very inconvenient.

For your consideration: Greenpeace’s report about this greenwashing-in-progress.