Coal is the fossil fuel most associated with greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. due to its high carbon dioxide output when burned.

Coal is the fossil fuel most closely linked to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. When burned for electricity generation, coal releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), a primary contributor to climate change. Coal-fired power plants are the largest source of CO2 emissions in the U.S., making coal a major environmental concern. Although natural gas emits less CO2 than coal, coal’s high carbon intensity makes it the biggest driver of greenhouse gas emissions. As the U.S. transitions to cleaner energy sources, reducing coal use is critical for meeting climate goals and curbing the impacts of global warming.