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America's greenhouse gas emissions fell nearly 2 percent in 2023, thanks in large part to the decline of coal for power generation. The Rhodium Group estimates that U.S. emissions have fallen more than 17 percent since 2005—significant, but not nearly fast enough to meet President Biden's goals of cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, relative to 2005 levels.
Last year, electric utilities closed more than a dozen large coal-burning power plants, according to the New York Times. The power sector was responsible for almost all of America's decline in carbon dioxide emissions. But the decline of coal has led to a rise in natural gas power plants, and an increase in methane emissions from the oil and gas industry that supplies them.
Signs of big coal's swan song can be seen in headlines across the country today:
American Climate Corps ramps up
The White House announced a series of virtual listening sessions to bring in ideas on how to shape the American Climate Corps, starting on Thursday, January 11th. Each session will feature a climate champion, including Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Senator Ed Markey. The White House requests that participants limit their comments to three minutes, and invites Americans to send in-depth thoughts to [email protected].
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We’re in a place where you have to make a lot of tough decisions, but it’s not the first time Native nations have had to make those decisions, and it won’t be the last. For better or for worse, it’s a continuation of those responsibilities.”
