But that's not so for coal. It is cheaper to transport coal on river barges, but this option isn't always available. Coal can also be moved by trucks and conveyors if the coal mine Is close by. Ideally, coal-fired electric power plants are built near coal mines to minimize transportation costs. 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 coal deposits that can be mined using today's mining methods and technology.
Experts estimate that the United States has about 265 billion tons of coal reserves. If we continue to use coal at the same rate as we do today, we will have enough coal to last 285 years. This vast amount of coal makes the United States the world leader in known coal reserves. Coal deposits can be found in 38 states. The federal government is by far the largest owner of the nation's coalbeds.