Role in the U.S.
Due to its relatively low cost and abundance, coal is used to generate about half the electricity consumed in the U.S. Coal is the largest domestically produced source of energy. But its use results in higher amounts of carbon dioxide per unit of energy than either oil or natural gas.
Where it comes from
In 2010, the amount of coal produced at U.S. coal mines was about 1.08 million short tons. Though it is mined in 26 states, the most is produced in Wyoming followed by West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Montana.
Heat to light
Most of the electricity in the U.S. is produced using steam turbines fired by coal. In 2010, 45 percent of the almost 4 trillion kilowatt hours of electricity used came from coal.