The leading use of coal in the United States is electricity generation.

In the United States, coal is primarily used for electricity generation, accounting for its largest consumption share. Coal-fired power plants burn coal to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. Historically, coal was the dominant fuel source for power generation, though its share has declined in recent years due to the rise of natural gas, renewable energy sources, and environmental regulations. Despite this, coal remains an important part of the U.S. energy mix, particularly in certain regions where coal is abundant and cheaper compared to other energy sources for electricity generation.