The Dark Side of China's Coal IndustryFlashy hotels here display chunks of coal in the lobby, honoring the industry that has turned peasant farmers in this city into Mercedes-driving millionaires. Yet Taiyuan, the country's top coal-producing region, is also one of its most polluted, where corn stalks are covered in soot and smoke blots out the morning sun. The pollution makes its way to the United States in five to 10 days, like a slow-moving storm. |