U.S. coal exports have been booming in recent years due to rising demand around the world. In fact, some European countries are already using U.S. coal to displace costly Russian gas. “Some European countries are using U.S. coal to help displace Russian natural gas and neutralize Russia’s energy influence,” Republican Kentucky Rep. Ed Whitfield said. “Coal exports are already having an impact on geopolitics and are helping to create American jobs and reduce our trade deficit. We can build on this success by increasing natural gas exports as well.” --Michael Bastasch, The Daily Caller News, 17 April 2014
