Could Powder River Basin coal displace imported coal in the United States?

摘要

U.S. demand for coal is expected to grow more than three percent/year through 2010, according to the latest figures released by the Department of Energy. With reserves dwindling in Appalachia, coal from the Illinois Basin is gaining new prominence and respect for power generation. What about coal from the Powder River Basin? Could it find a new market in the Eastern United States, perhaps displacing some brands of imported coal?