GoKawiilEDF/Atlas report finds US gas buildout accelerating as renewable growth slows
A new report from the Environmental Defense Fund and Atlas Public Policy finds that planned fossil fuel power capacity jumped from 5% of new US electricity projects in 2024 to 30% by mid-2026, even as electricity demand rises due to data centers, factories and EVs. The report notes solar and wind still generate more power than coal and that solar was the fastest-growing source added in 2024, but warns gas development could reach 68 gigawatts by 2030 if current trends hold.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The report's authors argue that locking in new gas infrastructure now could raise electricity costs and emissions for decades, since power plants typically operate for 30-plus years. This shift coincides with the Trump administration's efforts to curb wind and solar development, which the report suggests is reshaping investment decisions even as clean energy remains cost-competitive globally. The findings could fuel debate over whether current energy policy is prioritizing short-term reliability over long-term affordability and climate goals.
- Fossil fuel share of new US power capacity plans rose from 5% to 30% between 2024 and mid-2026
- Wind and solar together outproduced coal for the first time in 2024, with solar the fastest-growing new source
- Report warns planned gas capacity could hit 68 gigawatts by 2030, raising long-term cost and emissions concerns
Source: theverge.com — Justine Calma, 2026-10-19
Published there as: “The fossil fuel comeback is here”
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