Money for deeper US coal ports: needed or just more pork barrel
Journal Article
·
· Natl. J.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6612582
The US must improve its port facilities before the coal industry can become a major world exporter. The coal and rail industries plan to improve coal-handling facilities at ports on the East, Gulf, and West Coasts, but dredging to allow coal carriers must be done by the Corps of Engineers under Congressional authorization. This process could take up to 20 years to resolve bureaucratic and cost barriers. Although coal exports could improve the balance-of-payments deficit, the Federal government does not want to subsidize port facilities on the basis of future market projections. A task force study estimates a European market of 189 million tons of steam coal in 1990 and 90 million tons for the Far East. The study recommends dredging to keep US coal competitive and to meet the energy needs of US allies. An effort to speed up authorizing legislation allows the Corps to prepare a single environmental impact statement and feasibility study for several projects rather than follow the multi-step procedure for each. The new Senate leadership may prefer omnibus legislation that alters water policy and protects the budget. (DCK)
- OSTI ID:
- 6612582
- Journal Information:
- Natl. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Natl. J.; (United States) Vol. 13:6; ISSN NAJOD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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