Coal Exports Surge to 1991 Highs

Exports of U.S. coal hit their highest level in over two decades as the demand from Asia and China soared. At the same time the demand for coal in the U.S. has been dropping the last several years.

Of the 107 million tons of coal that was exported, 10 million went to South Korea, an increase of 81% over last year. Japan bought 7 million tons, an increase of 119%. And India's imports jumped 65% to 4.5 million tons.

Coal's share of the U.S. power supply has fallen by over 20% in the last few years and is expected to drop once again in 2012. A major factor is increased regulation on the coal-burning industry from the green movement.

Imagine if the subsidies that the government is giving to failing solar companies went to clean burning coal? This country has so much coal, it would make sense, right? Then again it is the government.

On top of that, the environmentalists are now turning to stopping the building of ports that will allow the coal companies to increase exports. This will in turn help the coal companies and create jobs. If the U.S. does not want the coal, then let the rest of the world have it, and at least we can make some money off it.

Very perplexed here!