Illinois State Committee on Global Warming

It is recognized that one of the human activities taking place in Illinois contributing to global warming is coal mining. Coalbed methane (CH4) releases into the atmosphere have been documented as contributing more to global warming than the same tonnage release of carbon dioxide (CO2). Studies vary; however, a factor of 20 is generally accepted in calculating the impact of CH4 on global warming when compared to CO2.

While it is clear that active mines must take mitigating action to deal with coalbed methane from a safety standpoint, which often results in coalbed methane being vented into the atmosphere, the potential for such releases from inactive mines may not be as clear.

Although inactive coal mines are sealed before being abandoned, the man made caverns created in the mining process are not designed or engineered to remain intact for an indefinite period. Coalbed methane accumulates in these caverns, and it is not unusual for the methane to reach pressures of 20 to 40 PSI, and greater. Through the process of subsidence, these caverns deteriorate and coalbed methane escapes into the atmosphere. Naturally occurring events such as rainfall and earthquakes can hasten this deterioration process.

A significant coalbed methane leak from an abandoned mine occurred in Eldorado, IL in September 1978. It involved the O'Gara No. 8 mine which had been idle over 50 years. Concentrations of methane were so great families were evacuated and church services were cancelled. Local police, the state Emergency Services and Disaster Agency, the Illinois Department of Mines and Minerals, and the Environmental Protection Agency were all involved in this incident (see attachment article September 8, 1978, Eldorado Daily Journal).

Be it resolved by this committee that coalbed methane accumulating in abandoned mines poses an obvious threat to the environment, and if left unattended could contribute significantly to global warming; therefore, the removal and use of coalbed methane from abandoned mines as a fuel should be encouraged. Utilities in the State of Illinois should give preferential treatment to independent power producers generating electricity from coalbed methane, regardless of whether or not the mine is active, and report the purchase of electricity from such producers under the Climate Challenge Program as an abatement of greenhouse gases.

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