"This year, carbon dioxide emissions from natural gas associated with the energy sector will exceed those from coal for the first time since 1972, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Though coal is more carbon-intensive, increases in gas consumption and a reduction in coal-fired power mean the CO2 emissions from gas will be 10% greater this year, the agency said.

Last year, natural gas consumption was 81% higher than coal consumption, and their carbon emissions were nearly equal. From 1990 to about 2005, consumption of coal and natural gas in the United States was relatively similar "

Robert Walton reports for Utility Dive August 19, 2016. [2]