January 13, 2026
Hot takes, hotter planet
U.S. Emissions Jumped in 2025 as Coal Power Rebounded
AI power-hogs spark coal comeback—and the comments are on fire
TLDR: U.S. emissions rose 2.4% in 2025 as AI data centers drove up electricity use and utilities burned more coal, with a cold winter boosting heating. Commenters split between celebrating AI gains and cheap energy, warning of Florida flooding, and asking how China compares—making the coal comeback a fiery debate.
America’s emissions jumped 2.4% in 2025, and the comments section went full meltdown. The headline villain? Power-hungry AI data centers stacking servers, while a colder winter cranked up heating. Utilities burned 13% more coal, even postponing plant retirements after the Energy Department kept eight coal units open. Solar surged 34% (wind, not so much), but the vibe was: AI gains vs. climate pains.
The spiciest camp cheered the trade: “AI agents delivered huge value—worth it”, argued charcircuit, painting kilowatts as the price of progress. Blell backed it up with the economic mantra: cheap, dependable energy keeps America humming. On the other side, hermitcrab dropped a doom-bomb: Florida’s going underwater, cue Atlantis memes and hurricane GIFs. Sebastianconcpt went for the classic scoreboard: “How does China compare?” turning the thread into a global blame game. And phibr0? Just slid in with receipts.
Rhodium Group says Trump’s fossil-fuel push wasn’t the main cause—yet—so the drama is less politics, more weather + data center boom. Gas got pricier as exports rose, making coal look cheaper; meanwhile transportation emissions barely budged thanks to hybrids and EVs. Verdict from the crowd: the coal comeback tour is real, and the comments are burning hotter than Texas today.
Key Points
- •U.S. greenhouse gas emissions rose 2.4% in 2025 after two years of decline, per Rhodium Group.
- •Electricity demand grew 2.4% nationwide, driven partly by AI data centers; utilities burned 13% more coal than in 2024.
- •Natural gas prices rebounded, making coal more economical; some coal plant retirements were postponed, and eight units were ordered to stay open.
- •Solar generation increased 34% and wind rose modestly, helping moderate the emissions rise.
- •Transportation emissions barely increased due to more hybrid and EV sales; oil and gas drilling emissions rose 0.5% as methane leaks were reduced.