"Natural Gas or Coal, do we have a choice?"
Yes.
The "choice" is... BOTH.
Coal for electric power generation. It can now be burned cleanly, the plants can be built quickly, and coal can be "stockpiled" against shortages. And there's more coal than there is of any other "fuel resource".
Gas for "home usage". Great for home heating, cooking, hot water. With a power failure, the gas hot water heater still works, so all you need is continued water pressure. Can also be used for home generators as well.