CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A new U.S. report says coal production in Wyoming, the nation’s top coal mining state, fell by 21% in 2020 from the previous year. 

That reflects reduced demand during the coronavirus pandemic, low natural gas prices and a longstanding move away from fossil fuels to cheaper and cleaner-burning natural gas to generate electricity. 

A U.S. Energy Information Industry Administration report this week also says the nation’s coal production in 2020 was at its lowest level since 1965, The Casper Star-Tribune reports. 

Wyoming produced 41% of the nation’s coal in 2020, the EIA said. Production has increased this year as the economy reopens.

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A new U.S. report says coal production in Wyoming, the nation’s top coal mining state, fell by 21% in 2020 from the previous year. That reflects reduced demand during the coronavirus pandemic, low natural gas prices and a longstanding move away from fossil fuels to cheaper and cleaner-burning natural gas to generate electricity. A U.S. Energy Information Industry Administration report this week also says the nation’s coal production in 2020 was at its lowest level since 1965, The Casper Star-Tribune reports. Wyoming produced 41% of the nation’s coal in 2020, the EIA said. Production has increased this year as the economy reopens.

Report: Severe drop in Wyoming, US coal production in 2020