Time to face reality regarding coal industry

During the 2016 presidential election, Republican Donald J. Trump embraced a simple and straightforward political strategy: Tell the people what they want to hear.

Thus, Trump told autoworkers in the Mahoning Valley he would boost domestic production of cars, SUVs and trucks; promised coal miners in West Virginia he would revive the failing mining industry; told former steelworkers in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties he would resurrect the huge steel mills that once dotted the banks of the Mahoning River; assured white Americans that their economic pain was caused by immigrants sneaking into this country and stealing their jobs; and, he told all Americans that unfair trade practices were the reason this country’s imports were far outstripping exports . ...

Coal is no longer king. More than 250 coal-fired plants have been retired since 2010, and dozens of others will be closed next year.

The U.S. now generates more electricity from natural gas than coal.

The Trump administration is turning a blind eye to this reality and instead is arguing that coal production is needed for national security reasons . ...

President Trump, who received significant support from this predominantly Democratic region, needs to hear that message.

Read the full editorial from the Youngstown Vindicator at bit.ly/2mPKZmm