Identify the major ways that the burning of coal impact the environment...

Burning coal releases more carbon dioxide per unit of heat energy produced than the burning of any other type of fossil fuel.  A lot of coal contains mercury that is released into the environment during combustion.  Bituminous coal contains sulfur and nitrogen that release sulfur and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.  When these gases combine with water they cause acid precipitation.  Sulfur emissions can be reduced if scrubbers are used on the exhaust system of a coal burning plant. Other clean coal technologies are being developed such a fluidized-bed combustion.  Use of higher grade coal (anthracite) produces fewest pollutants per unit of heat released.