An average integrated paper mill in the United States uses enough energy to supply the residential energy needs of an average U.S. city of 100,000 persons. Or, the 310 major paper mills in the United States consume about as much energy as all the households in California and Texas combined. The largest coal producing state is Wyoming, with 278 million tons production in 1996. The coal mining industry is now recognized as one of the safest, with a lower rate of injuries and illnesses per 100 employees than the agriculture, construction or retail trades. Labor union members account for only about 40 percent of the coal mining industry s work force.
Railroads account for nearly two-thirds of total U.S. coal shipments.
Nine of every 10 tons of coal used in the United States are for electricity generation. When coal is burned in a steam electric power plant, the steam turns a turbine which drives a generator which produces electricity. The coal industry has reclaimed in excess of 2 million acres of mined land over the past 20 years an area larger than the State of Delaware. A confusing unit of measure is a barrel. A barrel's capacity is determined often by who uses the term, or what it contains.