Conflicting governmental regulations and policies affecting coal development

If coal is to have increasing development, conflicting government (local, state, and Federal) environmental regulations and litigations must be eased by a national energy policy committed to domestic resource development. Peabody and other coal companies are facing obstacles in their efforts to develop western coal fields because of conflicts between different levels of government. Federal and state governments conflict over mining permits and reclamation requirements; Indian tribes and states over mining operations on reservations; local and state governments over zoning regulations; and various agencies over jurisdiction and policy. Suggested remedies include (1) giving precedence to national interests over local concerns, (2) leaving land use and reclamation regulation to the states, (3) easing environmental impact statement requirements, (4) making the public aware that underground mining is ultimately more dangerous, costly, and damaging than surface mining, (5) taking a longer view in energy development policies, and (6) developing a policy that reconciles long-range public goals. (DCK)