Examining coal's market

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · Coal Min. Process.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7365583

Blakely, J W

The first half of 1974 projected the comeback of coal as the golden era in America's coal industry, only to be followed in late 1974 with depressed market conditions, aging, inefficient mines, and insufficient capitalization and reserves. According to Mr. Blakely, government intervention and regulatory action has forced the closing of coal mines, power plants, forges, foundries, mills, and coke ovens and brings into perspective why the U.S. reels on the brink of economic destruction and inflation runs rampant. Further, the vast power invested in regulatory agencies; the mistaken belief that government and not private industry must create jobs; the Congress' planned intention towards the whole of the energy community; and the colossal interjection of the Federal bureaucracy into the private lives of individuals as well as corporations; all combine to indicate that the U.S. and its people face the severest test this nation ever faced, and it is predicted in the next 18 to 24 months. Mr. Blakely also observes that every action being taken by Congress dealing with the energy crisis is looking toward a reduction in energy use and handicapping energy supply. He cites three factors that could cause a government/people confrontation, perhaps before the November 1976 election: (1) another Arab oil embargo; (2) internal labor strife which could cause unscheduled mine closings; and (3) new mine openings are being deferred and other mines closing because of environmental restrictions. A realistic energy-production program will have to center on coal; at this point, though he feels that the environmentalists still have control of the lawmakers, the media, and the public. (MCW)

• OSTI ID: 7365583
• Journal Information: Coal Min. Process.; (United States), Journal Name: Coal Min. Process.; (United States) Vol. 13:4; ISSN CMPRB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
015000 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Economic
Industrial
& Business Aspects
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
294001* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Coal
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CHARGES
COAL
COAL INDUSTRY
COAL MINING
ELECTRIC POWER
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY SUPPLIES
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FORECASTING
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INDUSTRY
LAWS
MARKET
MIDDLE EAST
MINING
POWER
POWER GENERATION
PUBLIC RELATIONS
VIABILITY