Thanks Pjgatz - I think political oil interests were a major hindrance here. Even tho' low rank coal could give the U.S. energy independance for some 250 -300 yrs, it didn't seem to matter. The U.S. seems to have money for everything else - why not energy independance in their own back yard? Commercial CTLF Plants could also employ up to 4,000 families plus the spin-off local industryies would would benefit - could help make a small dent in the 10% unemployment figures. China has surged ahead with CTLF - why not us?