As America marks its 250th year, we rightly celebrate the people, principles, and sacrifices that built this nation. But our nation’s rise also depended on another enduring strength: abundant domestic resources that helped power our growth, secure our independence, and build the strongest economy in the world.
Coal has been central to that story.
Long before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, coal was already being mined commercially in Virginia. In the decades that followed, it helped fuel America’s expansion from a young republic into an industrial power. Coal-powered locomotives moved goods and people across the country, strengthened commerce, and helped connect a growing nation. By the late 19th century, coal was powering the factories, steel mills, railroads, and electric systems that would define America’s industrial age.
Coal’s importance only grew in the 20th century. It helped support the manufacturing base that built American prosperity and supplied the ships, steel, equipment, and electricity needed through two world wars. As the modern electric grid expanded, coal became one of the country’s most important sources of dependable power, helping electrify homes, farms, businesses, and communities across the nation.
As recently as 2008, coal supplied more than half of America’s electricity. It was affordable, reliable, fuel-secure, and available when the country needed it most.
Today, America is entering another period of major growth. After years of relatively flat electricity demand, new demand from artificial intelligence, data centers, advanced manufacturing, and electrification is placing new pressure on the electric grid. The Department of Energy projects that U.S. electricity demand will rise 15 to 20 percent over the next decade. Meeting that challenge will require every dependable resource America has.
That includes coal. For 250 years, coal has helped power American growth, resilience, and leadership. As we look to the future, the lesson is clear: America cannot lead the next era of innovation, manufacturing, and energy security without reliable, American-made power.
America’s Power wishes everyone a happy and healthy Fourth of July. We remain proud to advocate for the coal fleet and the workers who help keep our nation powered, secure, and ready for what comes next.