That historic reversal in fuel sources for electric power will continue indefinitely and
suggests that coal's demise has more to do with an upheaval in energy markets than the consequences of any government energy policy. Champions of renewable energy like to boast that coal's collapse is the result of dramatic reductions in the cost of wind turbines and solar arrays, but the real cause lies elsewhere – natural gas. Coal is at the mercy of the shale revolution and the nation's abundant, affordable supply of natural gas.
Ironically, those most outspoken about the threat of climate change never thought a switch to natural gas would be such an environmental blessing.
In fact, even as cheap natural gas is powering our economy, carbon emissions from electricity production are at their lowest level since the early 1990s. Simply put, the carbon intensity of the electricity sector has dropped dramatically.
As U.S. natural gas output surged over the past decade, turning the nation into the world's largest producer, utilities recognized this vast supply of natural gas for exactly what it is – the clean energy tool they can use to reduce emissions while holding down, or even reducing, electricity rates.
