Another look at the decline of coal in the US, courtesy of the EIA. Source: EIA Sharp declines in new and reactive coal mines mean mine starts can't compensate for idled mines as America moves away from coal into the arms of natural gas, as shale gas development flooded supply and drove domestic prices down to very low levels, making natural gas more economical than coal in many parts of the country. Coal production was rising before the 2008 crisis, but has since plummeted in the US. Natural gas also burns a lot cleaner than coal and is primarily responsible for the reduction in US CO2 emissions and the reduction of smog [particulates, nitrogen oxide] over the past few years. Source: EIA