New mandates have been released by the Environmental Protection Agency that focus on the loser in the clean energy race—coal. However, according to an article recently completed by CNBC, critics of the mandates say that downgrading coal should not be the focus; providing, referencing and citing alternative energy sources should be what the regulations draw attention to.

The regulations released by the EPA make really only one item clear—coal should be avoided at all cost, as it is not a source of clean energy. The plan in place says states must do whatever needs to be done to avoid the use of coal; however, no mention is made of solar energy—no backing of any alternative source is offered. As a result, many environmentalists think the EPA took the easy way out, by choosing to focus on lowering of emissions without providing an alternative energy source.

Alternative energy sources have grown in recognition and power in recent years. Climate change has steadily served as a centerpiece of focus amongst the administration of the White House. Items of energy that produce lower amounts of emissions have seen a steady increase in private capital in recent years, indicating that the industry has become more popular and, as a result, can rely less on government support.

In essence, the demand in the United States for alternative energy sources is consistently on the rise. In May of this year alone, 88% of newly installed electricity generating capacities in the nation was based in alternative energy sources, according to a report generated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. With the increase in popularity and the general public’s acceptance that alternative energy sources are the future, it is believed that the EPA needs to step out of its comfort zone to truly promote those sources instead of simply settling for speaking out against sources that are ultimately bad for the environment.