In the world of energy politics, the sudden vanishing of the word 'coal' is a remarkable and unprecedented event.

In reality, studies show that investments to spur renewable energy and boost energy efficiency generate far more jobs than oil and coal.

When it comes to global warming, coal is the gorilla in the room.

When it comes to climate and energy, Gates is a radical consumerist. In his view, energy consumption is good - it just needs to be clean energy.

Subsidies are hugely important; they represent America's de facto energy policy.

But Big Oil and Big Coal have always been as skilled at propaganda as they are at mining and drilling. Like the tobacco industry before them, their success depends on keeping Americans stupid.