In February, Trump administration officials announced, in Kentucky, a change in rules intended to help coal.
In March, solar came as close as it ever has to generating as much power nationwide as coal.
According to federal data compiled by Ember, an energy policy group that favors clean energy, solar generated nearly 11% of U.S. power last month. Coal generated 12%.
Coal last fell below 12% in early 2024, according to Ember’s electricity data explorer, which uses numbers from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
The big difference is that two years ago, solar generated only 7% or 8% of U.S. electricity.
And according to Ember, there have been five months so far where wind generation has exceeded coal, including March 2026. If the current trend continues, solar could outpace coal in the next few months.
Despite the curtailment of federal tax credits favorable to the development of renewable energy, solar is forecast to grow at a fast pace this year and next.
Two decades ago, coal was the nation’s dominant fuel for electricity. Due to the increased production and lower costs of hydraulic fracturing, natural gas overtook coal in 2016.
In more recent years, wind and solar combined have topped coal for electricity nationwide.
The Trump White House has taken a number of steps to enhance coal’s role in the country’s energy mix.
It has directed coal plants in multiple states to remain on the grid past their scheduled retirement. It has opened up federal lands for new coal leases.
It has rolled back regulations, including tougher Mercury and Air Toxics power plant rules imposed during the Biden administrations.
David Fotouhi, deputy administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, announced that change at Louisville Gas & Electric’s Mill Creek plant in February.
“On day one, and every day since President Trump has shown his unwavering support for beautiful, clean coal,” he said. “Coal keeps the lights on, provides good, high paying jobs, delivers affordable and dependable energy to Americans and enhances our national security through American energy dominance.”
Coal generation is forecast to drop 7% in 2026, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Kentucky, which for a time was the nation’s leading coal producer, has relied more on coal from other states every year since 2019, according to the state Energy and Environment Cabinet.
Kentucky coal production was up slightly in the last three months of 2025, according to state data. Still, the year ended with 400 fewer coal mine workers statewide than when it began.
The news has not improved since the beginning of this year. In February, 300 workers at Clintwood JOD LLC, based in Pike County, were terminated.
Clintwood filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month. Days later, its workers sued, seeking 60 days of pay and benefits. The workers alleged that the company violated federal labor law and did not provide the required 60 days notice ahead of their termination.
LG&E and KU is a financial supporter of WEKU.
