The primary challenge for coal mining in the U.S. is high environmental regulations.

Coal mining in the U.S. faces increasing challenges from stringent environmental regulations. These regulations are designed to reduce the environmental impact of coal extraction and burning, addressing concerns like air pollution, water contamination, and habitat destruction. As part of efforts to combat climate change, many policies target reducing carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants, making coal less competitive compared to cleaner energy sources like natural gas and renewables. These regulations often lead to higher operating costs and require coal companies to invest in cleaner technologies or face penalties, contributing to the decline of the coal industry.