Just because NRDC's lawyer Hawkins, appears to oppose coal, does it mean that they want to do away with it as an energy source?  Or do they really just want to boost "clean" coal?

Yep!   from their website:

"We can instead choose a 21st-century alternative: Using existing technologies -- each in commercial operation today -- we can convert coal into a clean-burning gas and capture and dispose of the carbon dioxide deep underground, dramatically reducing air pollution from this dirtiest of fuels."

Beware, don't let NRDC fool you.  Unless/until they experience a radical green rebirth, and oppose coal for real, they are not to be trusted.  They support fuel farming too.

This presentation by Hawkins, is it designed to boost "clean" coal CCS (carbon capture and storage)?  An unworkable, prohibitively expensive, industry shill diversion from replacing coal with renewables and conservation?  My guess is yes.  

Their support for nuclear power has waned, but who knows when they will change back to pro-nuclear?

NRDC members and contributors?  You been sold out.

Hawkins, eff you and the "Ferrari" you rode in on.