Topic: Anthracite

The hosts issue a correction regarding a previous discussion on "clean coal." A listener pointed out that lignite is actually the lowest quality, "dirty" coal, while anthracite is the cleanest variety. This correction was prompted by a clip of Al Gore on Bill Maher's show where Gore criticized the assertion that coal can be clean.

China is facing a severe power shortage due to a lack of high-quality coal. The hosts explain that many Chinese power plants were specifically engineered to burn high-BTU, low-sulfur Australian coal. China's political decision to ban Australian imports has left these plants unable to function efficiently using domestic or Russian alternatives.

Strict environmental regulations in the United Kingdom make it difficult for homeowners to use traditional coal fireplaces, requiring lengthy application processes. The history of the "London Fog" and the transition away from coal in the 1950s and 70s is discussed, contrasting UK policies with high-tech coal burning and scrubbers used in the United States.