The Biden Administration continues to prioritize its green agenda by making a significant commitment to phase out coal plants in the United States. U.S. Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry announced at the annual United Nations climate change summit, COP28, that the country will not build any new coal plants and will work towards decommissioning existing ones. The move aligns with America's plan to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Kerry emphasized the urgency of accelerating the unabated coal phase-out worldwide, which he believes will contribute to building stronger economies and more resilient communities. The United States is also joining the Powering Past Coal Alliance, a coalition of nearly 60 countries committed to expediting the closure of coal-fired power stations, except those equipped with carbon capture and storage technology.

As of October, coal accounted for just under 20% of the U.S. electricity supply, according to the Department of Energy. However, the amount of coal burned in the country has significantly decreased over the years. Last year alone, it was less than half of the amount burned in 2008.

President Biden has previously expressed his determination to shut down coal plants across America and replace them with renewable energy sources like wind and solar. The transition away from coal has already begun, aided by federal clean energy tax credits and regulations that have made it economically challenging for coal plant operators to remain competitive.

A recent report from the nonpartisan Institute for Energy Economics and Finance Analysis projects that 173 coal plants will close by 2030, with an additional 54 closures expected by 2040. These closures include the Brandon Shores coal power plant located outside of Baltimore, which is set to be deactivated in June 2025 as part of a settlement between the plant's operator and environmental group Sierra Club. The plant currently has the capacity to power over a million homes.

The decision to phase out coal comes as no surprise, considering the detrimental impact of coal on carbon emissions. According to the American Geosciences Institute, burning coal produces more carbon emissions compared to any other non-renewable fuel, with a carbon footprint that can be twice as large as that of natural gas.

While the U.S. is taking decisive action to address its coal dependency, challenges persist at the global level. China, for instance, recently saw a massive expansion of coal power generation, making it the largest emitter of total global emissions, accounting for approximately 27% of the world's emissions.

Meanwhile, ahead of COP28, international delegates have been calling for an immediate ban on new natural gas infrastructure projects in the U.S. and other Western nations, highlighting the ongoing debates surrounding the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources.

The commitment made by the U.S. to phase out coal plants demonstrates its dedication to combatting climate change and pursuing a sustainable future. As the country accelerates its transition to renewable energy, it sets an example for other nations to follow suit, while also raising questions about the role of major global emitters in the fight against climate change.