Trump directs administration to boost coal exports

President Trump has instructed the Commerce secretary and the U.S. Trade Representative, among others, to “promote and identify” coal export opportunities and pursue purchasing agreements for U.S. coal. In an April 8 executive order the president directed Commerce, in consultation with USTR, the Energy Department and other agencies, to pursue export opportunities for coal and related technology and “facilitate international offtake agreements for United States coal,” it reads. The order says supporting the domestic coal industry is a “national priority”...