Iraq is the fastest growing source of U.S. oil imports. 36 refineries closed since 1992 - no new refineries since 1976. The U.S. energy mix is made up of oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear power and hydroelectric power.
Alternatives have yet to prove cost-competitive.
If demand for energy is constant or increases, it must be made up of one of these components. Therefore, less total energy produced by coal means more produced by other means. One must not support all of the energy options for our future energy, but if the growth of all parts of the U.S. mix is restricted, imports of energy are the only alternative to meet demand. Numbers speak volumes. Regulations and taxes are designed to close industry.