Articles tagged with "coal"
USGS Designation Ignores Law, Groups Say Coal for Steel is Not Critical - CleanTechnica
The US Geological Survey (USGS) recently designated metallurgical coal (met coal) as a "critical mineral," a move that has drawn strong criticism from environmental and clean energy groups. These groups argue that met coal does not meet the legal criteria for critical mineral status under the Energy Act, particularly because it is primarily used as a fuel rather than a mineral essential to national security or the economy. They contend that this designation serves as a subsidy to coal executives and foreign steelmakers, undermining American manufacturing competitiveness and innovation by propping up an outdated, polluting steelmaking method rather than supporting cleaner, modern technologies. Critics highlight that most metallurgical coal is exported, benefiting foreign steel industries while harming U.S. steelmakers and Appalachian communities that have long suffered environmental and health damages from coal mining. They warn that the designation enables the Trump administration to bypass environmental protections, risking further ecological destruction and public health impacts in coal-producing regions. The move is seen as a political handout that diverts taxpayer
energycoalmetallurgical-coalsteel-productionenvironmental-impactclean-energyUSGSTwo Energy Paths: China Locks In Renewables, U.S. Clings To Coal - CleanTechnica
The article contrasts the divergent energy trajectories of China and the United States in 2025, highlighting China's rapid expansion of renewable energy versus the U.S.'s continued reliance on coal. In the first half of 2025, China reduced coal consumption by about 2.6% despite a 5% rise in electricity demand, thanks to significant additions in solar and wind capacity. China’s renewable infrastructure—comprising solar, wind, hydro, transmission lines, storage, and smart grids—is not only expanding capacity but actively displacing fossil fuel generation, leading to measurable reductions in air pollution and national emissions. The country’s deployment of 92 GW of solar in May alone pushed total solar capacity past 1 terawatt, enabling new electricity demand to be met without increasing coal use. Conversely, the U.S. is experiencing rising coal use due to soaring natural gas prices, which increased over 60% as American gas supplies were exported globally, driven by strong demand in Europe and Asia. Policies
energyrenewable-energycoalsolar-powerwind-powerclean-energyenergy-infrastructureSouth America Sets Historic Benchmark: Zero New Coal Plants Planned - CleanTechnica
energyrenewable-energycoalSouth-Americaclimate-changesolar-powerhydropowerA Perfect Storm For Energy Is Coming To The US
energyclean-powernuclear-poweroil-and-gascoalrenewable-energyenergy-transition