In a move aimed at mitigating the impacts of global warming, the United States, together with 56 other nations, has pledged to phase out coal power plants. U.S. Special Envoy John Kerry has announced the United States’ commitment to the Powering Past Coal Alliance.
This commitment entails no new coal plants being built and the gradual phasing out of existing coal plants under the Biden Administration. No specific date has been set for the phase-out of existing plants, but it aligns with other regulatory actions and international commitments of the Biden Administration aiming for a coal-free future by 2035.
According to Kerry, the goal is to accelerate the phase-out of unabated coal worldwide to create stronger economies and more resilient communities. The initial focus will be on halting the development of new unabated coal power plants.
Market forces are already driving the decline of coal power plants in the U.S., with natural gas and renewable energy sources proving to be more economically viable alternatives. As of October, coal accounts for just under 20% of U.S. electricity generation, a significant decrease from 2008. Additionally, the environmental impact of coal, with its high carbon dioxide emissions, has been a major concern, especially in comparison to natural gas and gasoline.
The move by the United States is seen as a significant step, especially as it seeks to influence other nations, particularly those like China and India that are heavily reliant on coal for energy production. The Powering Past Coal Alliance, with its newly added members, including the United States, Czech Republic, and Dominican Republic, emphasizes the global transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Kosovo’s commitment to this alliance further underscores the growing international cooperation in achieving a cleaner and more equitable energy sector.
For more of AP’s climate coverage, visit http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environment. Follow Seth Borenstein on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @borenbears Learn more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
