Government, Industry Ask: Can We Ship Enough Coal to Meet Demand?

The average American is expected to use as much as 3 percent more electricity each year over the next two decades; coal could help fill the gap. But it may not be a matter of mining more coal – both production and consumption rose last year – but moving more coal.

At the National Coal Show, which opened Tuesday, industry executives and a government geologist discussed whether the U.S. has the necessary railcars, locomotives, trucks and barges to transport the coal that’s needed to supply a growing American appetite for electricity.

Executives from coal, barge, railroad and power companies said the nation’s transportation infrastructure can handle the increased demand – if they don’t lose too many employees or equipment from wear and tear.

AP via CentreDaily.com