coal pros: ample supplies in many countries, medium to high net energy, low cost when environmental costs are not included, large potenital supply in many countries, vehicles fuel, lower air pollution than coal,
cons: severe land disturbance and water pollution, fine particle and toxic mercury emissions threaten human health, emits large amounts of co2 and other air pollutants when produced and burned, low to medium net energy, requires mining 50% more coal with increased land disturbance, water pollution, and water use, higher co2 emissions than coal