The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) 2012 energy outlook confirms that America is moving beyond coal.
The natural gas share of electric power generation is expected to rise from 24 percent in 2010 to 27 percent in 2035, and the renewables share to go from 10 percent to 16 percent over the same period. In recent years, the U.S. electric power sector's historical reliance on coal-fired power plants has begun to decline. Over the next 25 years, the projected coal share of overall electricity generation falls to 39 percent, well below the 49-percent share seen as recently as 2007, because of slow growth in electricity demand, continued competition from natural gas and renewable plants, and the need to comply with new environmental regulations.
As noted by the Sierra Club, rising coal prices, EPA clean air standards, and state renewable energy standards all contributed to the EIA’s downgrading coal’s future.
In partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign is working to retire one-third of the nation’s aging coal plants by 2020 and replace them with clean energy by 2030. The campaign helps to ensure enforcement of current environmental laws, joins local communities in opposing existing plants, and encourages the use of alternative energy sources.
With a $50 million commitment over four years, Bloomberg Philanthropies is joining the Sierra Club in its effort to effectively retire one third of the nation's aging coal fleet by 2020, replacing it with clean energy. The partnership, announced July 21, 2011, reflects Bloomberg Philanthropies' vision on climate change: that progress will come not from national governments and international bodies, but instead by driving action at the city and local level.
The Bloomberg Philanthropies grant of $50 million over four years will help fuel the Beyond Coal mission to clean the air, end the coal era, and accelerate the transition to cleaner, cost-effective energy sources.
The need to move beyond coal is clear from its hidden costs. Coal is the leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions, and coal’s pollution contributes to four out of the five leading causes of mortality – heart disease, cancer, stroke, and respiratory illness.
Powered by the additional resources of Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Beyond Coal campaign will work to retire one third of the nation’s coal fleet by 2020, by making sure current environmental laws are enforced, by helping local communities that oppose existing plants, and by encouraging the use of alternative power sources. The gift will allow the campaign to expand from 15 to 45 states – and among other things, help Sierra reach their goal of cutting 30% of coal energy production by 2020.
Click here to learn more on how you can join the fight for clean energy and take the pledge to move beyond coal.
