Why Coal No Longer Matters for U.S. Energy Independence

Douglas McIntyre, Editor-in-Chief at Climate Crisis 24/7, challenges a recent argument made by The Hill that coal ensures U.S. energy independence. While the country does have vast coal reserves, McIntyre explains that the severe environmental costs outweigh any strategic benefits. With coal now making up only 15% of U.S. electricity generation and the rapid growth of renewables like solar, wind, and hydro—plus a nuclear resurgence expected—coal’s relevance in the energy landscape is quickly fading.