What is the predicted date of the last drop of oil being sucked from the earth? We know the peak of world oil production is near (~ next 5 years). It's guaranteed alternative plans are already in place. For personal transportation it's obvious electricity is the immediate futures alternate. Coal is (sorry) dirt cheap (compared to natural gas, or nuclear) and will serve as the electric power plants fuel for a long time to come due to an over abundance. The low cost and efficiency of coal over natural gas will be the deciding factor and money will win out (bottom line). The debate of CO2 will rage on as powerplants (more and new) belch out coal smoke.