Big Coal - by Jeff Goodell (Paperback)

About the Book

Despite a century-long legacy that has claimed millions of lives and ravaged the environment, coal as a fuel source is making a comeback. In a compelling blend of hard-hitting investigative reporting, history, and business analysis, this work illuminates the stark economic imperatives America faces.

Book Synopsis

Long dismissed as a relic of a bygone era, coal is back -- with a vengence. Coal is one of the nation's biggest and most influential industries -- Big Coal provides more than half the electricity consumed by Americans today -- and its dominance is growing, driven by rising oil prices and calls for energy independence. Is coal the solution to America's energy problems?

On close examination, the glowing promise of coal quickly turns to ash. Coal mining remains a deadly and environmentally destructive industry. Nearly forty percent of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere each year comes from coal-fired power plants. In the last two decades, air pollution from coal plants has killed more than half a million Americans. In this eye-opening call to action, Goodell explains the costs and consequences of America's addiction to coal and discusses how we can kick the habit.

Review Quotes

Goodell, in this well-written, timely and powerful book, makes it crystal clear what the stakes are The New York Times

Fiery and committed The New York Times Book Review

The hidden truth about coal is what Jeff Goodell is after in his groundbreaking book.
Bookpage

[Goodell] turns the light on the coal industry as he tracks the black rock on a bracing, eye-opening journey.
Audubon

Big Coal gives its readers a clear sense of the tradeoffs we face in our feverish quest for inexpensive energy... The Washington Post

Goodell has a talent for pithy argument - and the book fairly crackles with informed conviction.
Publishers Weekly, Starred

Eye-opening and provocative Kirkus Reviews, Starred

Goodell does a first-rate job of balancing environmental concerns with interviews from the human faces associated with "Big Coal" Library Journal --