About 20% of U.S. electricity is generated by coal, a proportion that has steadily decreased with the rise of cleaner energy sources.

Coal once dominated electricity generation in the U.S., but today it accounts for about 20% of the total electricity produced. This decline is largely due to the increasing availability of natural gas, along with the growing adoption of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Coal-fired power plants are being phased out due to environmental concerns and the high cost of maintaining aging infrastructure. Despite its reduced share, coal remains a significant energy source in certain regions of the U.S., where it still provides reliable and affordable electricity, especially in areas without access to renewable energy alternatives.