America is using less coal, has actually retreated to levels from 1970, and is no longer the leading source of energy for electricity. The shift is largely because of the increase in natural gas extracted from fracking. The environmental balance is varied. Coal causes more air pollution than natural gas, but fracking is possibly worse than coal mining. The shift is probably temporary as climate and economic conditions also shift, but the trend suggests coal’s prominence is fading. The use of renewables is increasing, but solar plus wind are only 20% of the use of coal or gas. Regardless, over the next few decades, there are more reasons to shift away from coal. This data may represent the end of an era.
(Click on the graph for the link.)
“Coal Slides To New Low As Source Of Electricity“- Climate Central
Pretending Not To Panic 