Why is U.S. Midwest Short on Coal?

People would rather have 3 tank cars come crashing through their front doors after a derailment, than have a few gallons spill out in the wilderness somewhere where no people are going to be hurt. Protect nature - kill people instead.

Why the sudden distrust of technology that was proven in the 19th century? We still have 10 massive tanks in north central McKean County Pa from a pipeline built in the winter of 1879-1880, to get the oil from the Bradford field to the East coast. That never had any major issues, despite the middle sections being run above ground initially. If they could build it then, with 1870's grade steel, imagine how much better it must be now. Google maps Rixford Pa and look at those massive beautiful tanks - they're still solid more than 100 years later, and 50+ years since abandonment.