... 3 If I read the whole NY Times article, the plceas that are replacing coal with natural gas are dependent on Central Appalachian Coal, Central Appalachian coal production is in decline. So from an 'East Coast' vantage point, King Coal is indeed in it's 'twilight years'. Central Appalachian coal production is in decline, but the decline is not due to proven coal reserves in the region. The supply exists but opening a coal mine today as well as in the recent 30 years, has been/is tremendously difficult due to local, state, and federal regulation/red tape. Hence its not twilight years' for King Coal, its merely a supply bottle neck caused by government.Further, productivity within existing mines in the region has climbed steadily. Continuous mining operation can now operate with half the personnel they did in the 1970's yet produce even more coal. One of the most productive firms is Cumberland Recourses which is privately held.