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U.S. Department of Energy
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Pipeline, rail backers lock horns on coal transport. [Coal pipeline act, H. R. 4370]

Journal Article · · Energy User News; (United States)
OSTI ID:5422291

The backers of railroad and pipeline transport for coal clashed at hearings on the proposed Coal Pipeline Act. Slurry-pipeline advocates, claiming that high rail rates discourage industry and are counter to national energy goals, are seeking the eminent domain they need to secure rights-of-way for pipeline construction. Railroad lobbyists have successfully fought the idea so far and will continue to oppose a competing transport system. Proponents of several pipeline routes see them as a way to lower transport prices, while handling only about five percent of the nation's coal. The economics of pipelines appear to be a factor of distance and volume, with no hard evidence available. Arguments of both sides of the controversy are cited. Water rights are a major problem in transporting Western coal by pipeline and, in some states, are a larger issue than eminent domain. (DCK)

OSTI ID:
5422291
Journal Information:
Energy User News; (United States), Journal Name: Energy User News; (United States) Vol. 5:12; ISSN EUSND
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English