The Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) preliminary estimate is that the US processed 900 million tons of coal in 2015, which is about 10% below the 2014 level.
This is the lowest volume since 1986 and is part of an ongoing decline that began in 2008, according to the EIA.
“Low natural gas prices, lower international coal demand, and environmental regulations have contributed to declining U.S. coal production,” it said.
Appalachia experienced the biggest decline among the US regions. The Central Appalachian Basin produced about 40% less coal in 2015 than the yearly average for 2010 to 2014 while most other areas saw 10% to 20% reductions.
