American Electric Power Co. Inc. and Southern Co., two utilities with large holdings of coal-fired power plants, are exiting the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, also known as ACCCE and America's Power, in 2020.

"Both companies have been loyal members of ACCCE for many years and we have valued their support over the years," ACCCE President and CEO Michelle Bloodworth told S&P Global Market Intelligence via email Dec. 2. "We respect their decision to not renew their membership in America's Power, we wish them well, and look forward to staying in touch because of the importance of the coal fleet."

ACCCE launched in 2008 with a stated goal of supporting "public policies that advance environmental improvement." However, Duke Energy Corp., a founding member, left the group the following year over fellow members' opposition to climate legislation, the National Journal reported at the time.

Representatives for AEP and Southern Co. confirmed that their respective companies will leave the group in 2020. AEP owns roughly 14,500 MW of coal-fired capacity, and Southern owns nearly 10,000 MW, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence data. The pair are the only investor-owned utilities holding membership in the group, according to a report in E&E News.

According to the group's website, other utility members include Associated Electric Cooperative Inc., Big Rivers Electric Corp., Buckeye Power Inc., Oglethorpe Power Corp. and PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, all of which own coal-fired generating assets, according to Market Intelligence data. Other coalition members include coal mining companies, railroads and industrial firms.