NewStream Energy Technologies Group Inc (NSGP)

[JamesE_]

Yes, cheap NG has been a major factor in coal's decline, but so has politics.
Spurred by brain dead politicians, the switch from coal to NG has been accelerated due to the mistaken belief that NG is better for the environment, which it is NOT. Yes, it's true that NG emits about half the CO2 versus coal when burned. However, methane is a far, far worse greenhouse gas than CO2 and unlike coal, it doesn't have to be burned to be harmful. Studies have shown that even small leaks from fracking and pipeline cracks erase any and all environmental benefits versus coal. Add to this the risk of pipeline terrorism and fracking caused earthquakes and water pollution, and it might not be wise to put all of our eggs into one basket. Besides, Pristine-M is coming soon... If we increase BTUs by 50%, then we will burn 33% less coal to generate the same amount of power; One third less coal burned means one third less CO2, reducing the environmental competitiveness of NG. And despite what you might think, coal generated electricity is still cheaper than NG. The often quoted Lazard numbers, $60/MWh coal vs $48/MWh NG, compares very expensive Northern Appalachian high-sulfur anthracite (costing 4x PRB coal) burned in conventional plants to natural gas burned in the newest and most efficient combined cycle plants; no agenda there. Lol.