The U.S. Energy Secretary has appointed a University of Wyoming professor to serve on the National Coal Council.
Dr. Maohong Fan is a UW School of Energy Resources professor who focuses his research on coal conversion. The National Coal Council advises the Department of Energy on coal issues.
Dr. Fan says many people tend to assume oil is more useful than coal for conversion into other chemicals. He wants to serve on the committee to help change that perception. “They try to use petroleum to produce future chemicals,” he says. “But actually coal and natural gas can do the same things.”
Dr. Fan says that advocating for coal to the federal government could potentially help Wyoming’s economy.
“National Coal Council can help the federal government to make the right policies. Which will benefit energy development and environmental protection.”
He hopes this appointment will make UW more visible in the conversion technology field.