Profiting From Low Stockpiles Of Coal

Last year's historic U.S. drought was devastating to America's farms.  It also brought down the water levels in America's river, which has created probably for river-based trade. Currently, the EIA is forecast levels to rise in the near-term, but then fall back to its lows.  And that could mean more trouble for trade. From the EIA:

By David Fessler:During the first three months of this year, the amount of power generated by coal-fired power plants hit its lowest level in more than 30 years.U.S. coal-fired plants provided 440 terawatt hours (TWh) of power in the first quarter.That 26.5 TWh drop is six percent less than the year before. In spite of the fact that overall generation decreased in the United States by less than one percent.

“There are no coal-fired plants being built. Mr. Obama took care of that. I think we’re totally eliminated by 2035” BEALLSVILLE, Ohio — Leon Lieser has been a coal miner 49 years, his bent fingers testament to his first job, loading coal by hand into a bucket. Mining also led to a hip replacement and a knee replacement. He loves his job and his industry, despite what it has done to his body. “It’s a way of life. It’s a proud life,” said Lieser, 66.

Natural gas figures prominently in President Obama's second-term energy blueprint, released this morning. He hopes to convert more commercial trucks to the fuel and support "research into the safe and responsible use of natural gas," to the tune of $40 million.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The Mississippi River level is dropping again and barge industry trade groups warned Thursday that river commerce could essentially come to a halt as early as next week in an area south of St. Louis.

By George Fisher: For electric generating utility owners, the ongoing seismic shift in fuels used for power generation will alter the utility investment landscape. In short: Coal is out, Natural Gas is in. Not only is the government and media pushing this addenda, but so is simple current economics.

By Simit Patel:The Environmental Protection Agency of the United States has proposed a new regulation that will limit emissions from power plants. For investors in the energy market, the biggest impact this will have is on coal-powered generators and the corresponding demand for coal. Here's a key excerpt from The Weekly Standard that summarizes things nicely: