Across the United States and around the world, the question of how to meet energy demands in a clean, efficient, and cost-effective manner has become one of the most pressing of the new millennium.  Scientists worldwide have acknowledged the occurring climate crisis, despite a handful of vocal neigh-sayers. Many communities are seeing the negative impacts of gas and oil development, as well as the devastating effects of coal-fired power production.  Even the industry’s assertion that there is such a thing as clean-coal is riddled with problems.  The United States and many countries around the world recognize the need to change the way we produce, store, and deliver energy.