The report also found that burning natural gas generated far less damage than coal, although still significant: a sample of 498 natural gas fueled plants (71 percent of gas-generated electricity) produced $740 million in total nonclimate damages in 2005. The life-cycle damages of wind power, which produces just over 1 percent of U.S. electricity, were found to be small when compared with those from coal and natural gas.
====2010: Most coal mine reclamation funds paid by taxpayers====
In January 2010, the AP Press reported that $395 million was available for abandoned [[coal mine reclamation]] funds provided by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Recipients can apply to the Interior Department's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement for funding for specific projects. Part of the money - $150 million - comes from fees based on U.S. coal production. The remaining $245 million comes from the U.S. Treasury, or taxpayers. Since 1977, the program has provided more than $7 billion to clean up more than 285,000 acres.<ref>[http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news_details/article/206/2011/january/03/interior-announces-395m-for-abandoned-mine-lands.html "W.Va. starts spending $51M in reclamation funds"] PhillyBurbs, Jan. 3, 2010.</ref>
==The Clean Coal Power Initiative==