USA coal industry: demand-limited. [1976-1978]

During the past ten years, while giving lip service to the greater use of coal, contradictory actions by congress and the executive leadership indicate their collective unwillingness to adopt a workable energy policy. As a result of this dismal performance, ...the United States coal industry has become demand-limited, while its principal customers are frustrated by the myriad regulations that prohibit, restrain, delay, and discourage their increased use of this abundant resource. The coal industry has been so harassed by this regulatory avalanche that productivity declines of up to 50% are common, and the industry is losing its ability to compete in terms of price in the world market. Many of these regulations are unduly restrictive, unreasonable, unnecessary and are not cost effective for the limited and often questionable benefits they offer. The US has no option in terms of its economic independence and national security and in terms of its citizenship in the world community other than to develop and use its huge reserves of coal. The nation and its leadership must learn to balance national objecties on a cost/benefit basis. As Secretary Schlesinger said, the greater use of coal is indispensable. If this nation can overcome the obstacles tomore » greater coal use, then the prospects for our security and well-being are reasonably good. The time is right for a renewed national commitment to coal. The time is long overdue for this renewed commitment to coal.« less