Mountaintop removal coal output decreased 62 percent from 2008 to 2014

Coal production from mines with mountaintop removal permits declined 62 percent from 2008 to 2014, according to a report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. During that same time, total coal production declined 15 percent and surface mining production 21 percent. The majority of mountaintop removal occurs in Central Appalachia, specifically Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia.

"Lower demand for U.S. coal—primarily used to generate electric power, driven by competitive natural gas prices, increasing use of renewable generation, flat electricity demand and environmental regulations—has contributed to lower U.S. coal production," the report states. (EIA graphic)