Coal is a comparatively stable material
It does not present leakage and spillage problems associated with oil and gas. Disasters involving coal-carrying ships are not a source of pollution. There is no safer energy source when handled and used correctly.
Source: World Coal Institute

Clean coal technology has helped the U.S. power industry keep electric bills relatively low.
Americans pay over $200 billion a year for electricity. Yet, U.S. citizens still enjoy some of the lowest electric rates of any free market economy in the world. Low cost coal is a major reason. Lower cost clean coal technologies are why the nation's utilities could meet new environmental standards without imposing harsh price hikes on ratepayers.
Source: Department of Energy

A healthy balance between the environment and the economy is both possible and necessary.
The industry continues to promote technologies that meet the growing demand for electricity while simultaneously protecting the environment. Yet it is only through policies based on sound science and reasoned economics that the industry will be able to continue to build on its record of real environmental progress.
Source: Coalition for Affordable and Reliable Energy