The low efficiency of use of the primary energy resources and the fact that the main resource is low quality coal are responsible for the unsustainable load on the environment in many regions of the ČSFR. The atmospheric pollution caused by the transport sector has been relatively low. The basic strategy to limit the negative impacts is energy efficiency increase, introduction of desulphurization and denitrification in large coal-fired power plants, substantial limitation of bruning coal in local heating systems and a prevention of a disproportionate development of the road transport system. It is necessary to apply all the tools of the market economy and all other means of a democratic society to achieve these objectives.