Environmental regulations limit coal emissions and encourage the transition to cleaner energy sources by setting stricter pollution standards.

Environmental regulations in the U.S. significantly impact the coal industry by limiting harmful emissions, such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, which are released during coal combustion. These regulations are designed to improve air quality, reduce climate change effects, and promote public health. As a result, coal-fired power plants must adopt cleaner technologies or face penalties, pushing the energy sector toward renewable sources like wind and solar. The pressure from these regulations has accelerated the decline in coal usage, encouraging energy companies to shift to cleaner, more sustainable energy alternatives for electricity generation.