Great News: Cheers! 2012 U.S. Coal Exports Reach Record High: ‘U.S. exported 114 million metric tons of coal — 12% more than previous high set in 1981’
'Coal export growth is driven by historically low domestic natural gas prices, diminishing U.S. coal demand, & growing use globally...On a global level, IEA forecasts that coal will rival oil as world's top primary energy source by 2017...More than 1,100 coal-fired power plants are currently being proposed for development globally. Given the U.S. has more proven coal reserves than any other country, there is large potential for continued export growth'