Data points (some numbers rounded):
- The Bureau of Land Management has approved another estimated 220 million tons of coal to be mined in Wyoming's Powder River Basin
- The lease represents nearly 2,000 acres
- The lease should extend the life of the mine about 1.6 years
- The lease was applied for back in 2005 (under the Bush administration; approved under the Obama administration)
- Without additional coal leases, this particular mine would run out of coal in about 10 years
- Of course, it goes without saying (but I will say it anyway), the approvals are being contested by environmental groups
- This is the fourth approval in the past year for coal leases in the Powder River Basin
But then again, I assume the coal is being shipped on Warren Buffett's Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad. Locomotes are probably built by General Electric. The CEO of GE is the economic czar for the administration.
I forgot another reason. I was reminded of it by a comment that was sent in: coal is needed for coal-powered cars that the present administration wants to be commonplace in the near future.
Don't forget they need coal to provide the power for Obama motors electric cars
ReplyDeleteI've added that to the posting. Thank you; I had forgotten that.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds "tongue-in cheek," political, sarcastic, etc., and folks can take it any way they want, but the fact is, electric cars will increase demand for coal and/or natural gas.
It is very, very likely that PowerPoint presentations are being provided that show US demand for coal/natural gas in 2020 and beyond due to electric vehicles.