Abundant coal feels unready, uncertain, unloved

Journal Article · · Energy (Stamford, Conn.); (United States)

OSTI ID:7355523

The U.S. has an estimated 3.23 trillion short tons of coal, of which 434 billion are proven and some 217 billion are considered economically mineable with present technology. At the production rate the Federal Energy Administration considers necessary to meet its energy independence goals in 1985--some 1,200 million tons a year--the currently economic coal supply would last 180 years. This interview examines the possibilities of coal meeting its assignment. It is the opinion of Mr. Gambs that the coal industry will be unable to expand to the necessary level by 1985 due to present restrictions. Any coal industry expansions planned are based on assumptions that capital and transportation will be available, that no unreasonable surface mining legislation will be enacted, that the Clean Air Act will be amended to permit burning higher-sulfur coal, that provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act will avoid additional delay, that a viable Federal coal leasing program will be enacted for the West, and there will be a ready market with high profits. The 1975 production level of 640 million tons is only 1 percent higher than the 1974 production. If a 2 to 3 percent net increase per year could be achieved from 1976 to 1985, production of 774 to 853 million tons could be produced. But to meet the projected increase, a sincere recognition by Congress and the Administration to pass the necessary legislation that will allow the coal industry to do the job will be necessary. The coal industry is capable of its assignment. (MCW)

• OSTI ID: 7355523
• Journal Information: Energy (Stamford, Conn.); (United States), Journal Name: Energy (Stamford, Conn.); (United States) Vol. 1:2; ISSN ENGYD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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010000 -- Coal
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CAPITAL
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COAL
COAL INDUSTRY
COAL MINING
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY SUPPLIES
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FORECASTING
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
INDUSTRY
LEGISLATION
MINING
PLANNING
PRODUCTION
REGULATIONS
TRANSPORT