When scientists estimate how much coal, petroleum, natural gas, or other energy sources there are in the United States, they use the term reserves. Reserves are deposits that can be harvested using today’s methods and technology.
Experts estimate that the United States has about 262 billion tons of recoverable coal reserves. If we continue to use coal at the same rate as we do today, we will have enough coal to last more than 250 years. This vast amount of coal makes the United States the world leader in known coal reserves.
Where is all this coal located? Coal deposits can be found in 38 states. Montana has the most coal—about 75 billion mineable tons. Other top coal states in order of known reserves are Illinois, Wyoming, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico. Western coal generally contains less sulfur than eastern coal. Low sulfur coal produces fewer pollutants.
The federal government is by far the largest owner of the nation’s coalbeds. In the West, the federal government owns 60 percent of the coal and indirectly controls another 20 percent. Coal companies must lease the land from the federal government in order to mine this coal.
Experts estimate that the United States has about 262 billion tons of recoverable coal reserves. If we continue to use coal at the same rate as we do today, we will have enough coal to last more than 250 years. This vast amount of coal makes the United States the world leader in known coal reserves.
Where is all this coal located? Coal deposits can be found in 38 states. Montana has the most coal—about 75 billion mineable tons. Other top coal states in order of known reserves are Illinois, Wyoming, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico. Western coal generally contains less sulfur than eastern coal. Low sulfur coal produces fewer pollutants.
The federal government is by far the largest owner of the nation’s coalbeds. In the West, the federal government owns 60 percent of the coal and indirectly controls another 20 percent. Coal companies must lease the land from the federal government in order to mine this coal.