Top Energy Consumers

Here is a quick rundown on energy use, noting that China, having already surpassed the US in CO2 emissions, has now passed us in energy consumption.  Another interesting point is that coal will soon pass oil in terms of energy production.  We may find coal-fired power plants shutting down in the United States, due to new regulations, but the coal industry should continue doing well, selling to China.  I wouldn't be surprised to hear that just as Long Beach, CA, had once been the top port for shipping cotton, it is now the top port for shipping coal.

The first comment at the top link, while snarky, is interesting.

Back to US coal-fired plants, there is this from the Chicago Tribune.

Pending environmental regulations will make coal-fired generating plants, which produce about half the nation's electricity, more expensive to operate.  Many are expected to be shuttered.

That means higher electricity prices in 2014 or so—significantly higher.

As the Instapundit noted a couple of days ago it is all going according to plan.

Regards  —  Cliff