in view of the oncoming renaissance of coal-fired power plants, please ban the export of coal as a threat to society.

Economist Ottmar Edenhofer, climate change expert, has noted there's a renaissance coming in the area of coal fired power plants, due to current low prices. Coal is a well-known contributor to climate change as well as a general pollutant, emitting carbon dioxide, mercury, and other substances detrimental to human health - and society. Given that various carbon tax schemes are not currently acceptable to the US Congress for sensible control of this substance, it seems logical to ban the export of coal outright, similar to the controls over export of other dangerous substances. While such an action by a single country will not stop these new power plants from being built, we can provide the needed leadership for other countries to follow suit - and, perhaps, not help build them, either.