The increase in natural gas production in the U.S. has led to a decline in the use of coal.

The surge in natural gas production in the U.S., driven by the development of shale gas and hydraulic fracturing (fracking), has led to a significant decline in coal use, particularly in power generation. Natural gas is a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal, emitting fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. As a result, many U.S. power plants have shifted from coal to natural gas, reducing coal’s share of the energy mix. This shift has been a key factor in reducing U.S. carbon emissions and improving air quality, even as the nation continues to rely on fossil fuels for energy.