There is perhaps no greater sign of the coal industry’s decline than the Trump administration’s demand this week that the Pentagon purchase more energy generated by the fossil fuel. Washington has already forced multiple coal plants to remain open beyond their scheduled retirements, trampling local control over energy projects and driving up electricity prices. A little more than two decades ago, coal generated most of the country’s electricity. Non-carbon energy sources such as solar and wind, which together already eclipse coal’s output, have also cut into the business. It is telling that despite these economic forces, no new coal plants have been under development for more than a decade.

Source: Washington Post February 14, 2026 00:19 UTC