Does U.S. Have Enough Coal On Hand?

The United States is heading into what could be a hot summer with high power consumption, and a number of electric utilities are scrambling to make sure they have enough coal on hand.

Even though the US guzzles imported oil by the tanker load, it is often called the “Saudi Arabia of coal,” with enough domestic reserves to last centuries. But getting America’s abundant coal to where it is most needed is a growing challenge for power companies — and the railroads that supply them.

For one thing, rising natural-gas prices have caused power companies to burn cheaper coal far faster than expected. Derailments and other rail delivery problems have also contributed to dwindling coal stockpiles at power companies across the Midwest and South, analysts say.

CBS