[ArrogantBustard]

Sure ... But you started out talking about those who depend on coal production. They're not the problem. The problem is amongst those dependent on coal consumption.

Oddly enough, the coal producers may not be as much affected. We are #7 worldwide in coal exports. There's probably room for us to rise in that standing.

[oldbrowser]

Sure ... But you started out talking about those who depend on coal production. They're not the problem. The problem is amongst those dependent on coal consumption.

The producers can sell their coal to China who is a big consumer. The U.S. coal fired plants and their customers are dependent on coal to provide electricity in the short term and at a reasonable price. They have no real alternative, so they are the most dependent on coal production.

Obama's war is on the coal fired power plants not directly on the coal miners. Though I imagine he will get to the miners soon enough.