Christine Ho, christine.ho@sierraclub.org
Washington, D.C. - According to the Business Council for Sustainable Energy’s Sustainable Energy in America 2025 Factbook, electricity produced by domestic renewable energy surpassed electricity produced by coal in 2024.
In 2024, renewable energy sources contributed nearly a quarter of all U.S. energy generation, while coal contributed only 15 percent, the lowest amount of generation from the dirty and expensive fuel source in recent history.
Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden Administration invested $1 trillion in renewable energy, bolstering research, infrastructure, and manufacturing. As of 2023, the green economy employs over 3.5 million Americans. Renewable energy is also more affordable for families, and renewable energy projects produce cheaper electricity compared to 99 percent of coal plants.
In response, Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign Director Laurie Williams issued the following statement:
“It is beyond obvious that coal-fired power plants are a relic of the past, and renewable energy is the future. As we continue to repair the damage that coal has wreaked on our communities for the last century, it would be completely ludicrous to propose propping up the most expensive source of electricity—coal—in any way, yet that is what the Trump Administration is focused on.
“Renewable energy is cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable than dirty fossil fuels, and we are glad to see the renewable energy boom continue in our country. We will continue to support the growing sector and push for the energy sector to retire any remaining dirty coal plants across the country.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.