According to the Sustainable Energy in America report, US coal consumption fell to its lowest levels in 2015 since EIA records began in 1949, accounting for 34% of the country's electricity generation. In 2014, coal accounted for 39% of US electricity, showing a drop in usage of 5% by the end of 2015. As a result, last year's greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector fell 18% below 2005 levels. The report highlights the US' positive progress to achieve its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector by 32% by 2030. Coal is still America's largest source of carbon dioxide emissions, but it has been declining over time.
According to the Sustainable Energy in America report, US coal consumption fell to its lowest levels in 2015 since EIA records began in 1949, accounting for 34% of the country's electricity generation. In 2014, coal accounted for 39% of US electricity, showing a drop in usage of 5% by the end of 2015. As a result, last year's greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector fell 18% below 2005 levels. The report highlights the US' positive progress to achieve its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector by 32% by 2030. Colleen Regan, co-author of the report and a power analyst for Bloomberg New Energy Finance explained that she expected to see more coal-fired power stations closed down this year, however to declare the death of coal in the US may be premature.