Critical Coal Quality Issues
Provide fundamental coal quality information necessary to help the Nation minimize environmental impacts in response to coal use in the 21st Century
Project Chief: Bob Finkelman

World Coal Quality Inventory (WoCQI)
Collect comprehensive and accurate information on the quality of the World's coal
Project Chief: Bob Finkelman

Health Effects of Toxic Organic Compounds from Coal
Examine concentration of toxic organic substances in coal and their aqueous leachibility to develop a predictive model of potential coal toxicity. Study health effects of toxic organics from coal by focusing on specific case studies.Project Chief: Bill Orem

Assessment of Geologic Reservoirs for Carbon Dioxide Sequestration
Quantitatively assess capability of geologic reservoirs such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, unmineable coal beds, and saline aquifers to sequester carbon dioxide, a known greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere.
Project Chief: Bob Burruss

Coal Extraction Environmental Prediction (CEEP)
Develop predictive tools that can aid in prediction and management of coal mine drainage issues.
Project Chief: Blaine Cecil

Environmental Impacts of Oil and Gas Production on Surficial Systems
Study and evaluate impacts of historical oil and gas development at national, regional, and local scales and develop information for land managers and environmental officials to better assess human health and ecosystem effects, develop cost-effective remedies, and establish appropriate policies and regulations.
Project Chief: Jim Otton

Methane from Natural Gas Seeps as a Factor in Global Climate Change
Quantify amount of methane released to the atmosphere through natural seepage of methane and the processes involved it its generation and release
Project Chief: Keith Kvenvolden

Produced Waters Database
The USGS Produced Waters Database contains information on the location and major ion composition of water that is pumped to the surface during oil and gas production.

Infrastructure Resources Project
The USGS Front Range Infrastructure Resources Project (FRIRP) is conducting studies of aggregate, energy, water, and biological resources.