Assuming the US reduces coal use due to negative externalities, should the US restrict coal exports to China and India who seek to use and build more coal-fired electrical generating plants?

Coal jobs are already being lost at an alarming rate. If we don’t mine it, it will come from other coal exporting countries. I don’t see any benefit to hurting ourselves in a futile attempt to manage other countries.

Yes. Coal is an awful pollutant, and China is already burning horrible amounts of coal. We should export solar and research safe sustainable waste-free fusion technologies.

The US restricted oil exports to Japan in the 30’s and thus compelled them to start a war

For what reason would we do that? What are the ‘negative externalities’ you mention. Do you mean pollution and global warming.

@flutherother Mercury contamination. Acid rain. Radiation. CO2 emissions.

I must question the wisdom of annoying someone who makes so many of our products and whom we owe a fair bit of money.

@Jaxk Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t China hold about $1.3 trillion of our debt?

^^ About that and another $60 held by India. Our balance of trade is already negative and restricting exports of anything would only serve to grow those numbers bigger.

^^ Sorry that’s $60 billion.

Here’s another good local reason not to export coal to China, regarding the impact of coal terminals on our local environment and a particular Native American community that would be severely impacted by a new proposed coal terminal:

http://act.350.org/letter/Lummi_coal?source=fb-AK

The page linked also has a petition form, if you want to help.