Obama admin changing coal royalty program to boost revenue

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — The Interior Department said Thursday it is changing the way it values coal mined from public lands in the West to make sure mining companies are not shortchanging taxpayers on sales to Asia and other markets.

A final rule issued Thursday comes after coal exports surged in recent years amid a weak U.S. market.

Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said the updated rule will ensur...