Overview of U.S. Coal Production and Consumption.

The article looks at the U.S. coal industry, as of 2012. It notes the majority of coal used in the U.S. goes into electric power generation, and reports that many older, more polluting coal-fired power plants are slated for closing. It discusses factors that it says will shape U.S. demand for coal, including environmental regulations, electricity demand, and prices of competing energy sources, particularly natural gas. Industry forecasts based on different assumptions are offered.