Published July 1980 — Download PDF of the original newspaper column
Byrd's-Eye View By U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd Our Energy Warehouse The stimulation of coal exports from the United States would give West Virginia's economy a shot in the arm, as well as dramatize our recognition of the vital role coal can play in supplying world energy needs. The promotion of our country's abundant coal reserves would be advanced through a coal export officer in our American diplomatic missions abroad. I recently co-sponsored an amendment requiring the secretary of state to designate such an officer in most U.S. embassies. This officer would monitor the host country's ability to import coal from the United States. Also, under the amendment, the U.S. Secretary of State would prepare and submit to the Congress semi-annual reports on coal export opportunities. This step to facilitate the growth of a free and competitive international coal trade would increase our expertise and effectiveness in the coal export market. It also would emphasize our commitment to the finding of alternative energy sources to reduce international dependence on oil from the Persian Gulf region. Almost half of the nearly 65 million tons exported by the United States last year came from West Virginia. The Mountain State shipped 21 million tons of coal overseas and nine million tons to Canada. Our country's exports, however, represent only 8.4 percent of our total production last year. The largest recipient of American coal was Canada, with more than 19 million tons. The European Economic Community received 18 million tons and nearly 16 million tons went to Japan. The potential for America's coal industry is enormous. The United States possesses about 27 percent of the earth's coal reserves, an estimated 1.7 trillion tons. The rediscovery of America's coal may give free world countries a new energy warehouse to supply their needs of tomorrow. We and our trading partners must work together to seek a less oil-dependent energy future. July 16, 1980