Now, coal is often portrayed as an environmental villain, but it was once an energy hero, responsible for driving the Industrial Revolution. It also played a huge role in building America. Take a look at this energyTHEN from a 1947 documentary.

[Film projector running]

[MAN] We mine more coal, using more labor-saving devices like this coal cutter, than any other people. This black treasure from the Earth is blasted... crushed, transported, to supply power to transform raw materials into thousands of things of beauty and everyday use. Coal feeds the fires of industry, forging the riches of the nation with an inconceivable volume of searing heat to make steel. Black smoke and fumes rising from stack and chimney. That spells production. Mounting high and higher, raising our standard of living as it mounts. Produce plenty, and we shall have plenty. Never has man had the power to produce for his needs as we have that power today.

[ASSURAS] Coal was abundant back then, and there is plenty of it left in the United States. Enough, says the Energy Information Administration, for at least 200 more years at the rate we use it now.