Natural gas production is booming in the United States. The
resulting low natural gas prices are helping the fuel displace
other energy sources, most particularly the use of coal to
produce electric power. As U.S. demand for coal falls, so has
its price and as a result international coal buyers are
increasingly turning to U.S. suppliers. One big buyer: Europe.
Ironies abound in this Washington Post report on growing
European use of coal. The EU has elaborate and costly greenhouse
gas regulations while the U.S. has failed to implement any
systematic federal greenhouse gas policies. European nations
like Germany, Spain, and Denmark are frequently cited as models
for their support of renewable energy. And, with these policies
in place, greenhouse gas emissions are falling in the United
States and Europe is burning more coal. Apparently good
intentions are not enough. The Wall Street Journal had a similar
report yesterday: “U.S. Coal Finds Warm Embrace Overseas.” One
more point: All that “good news” about reducti