Inside Energy (https://insideenergy.org/series/futureofcoal/page/3/)
Between federal regulations to restrict carbon dioxide emissions and mercury pollution, cheap natural gas, and concerns about climate change, the coal industry in this country is under threat. Since 2012 nearly 60 coal-burning power plants have partially or completely shut down. But the dirty fuel still supplies 40% of our power and is critical, proponents say, for maintaining the reliability of our electricity infrastructure.
We want to know: What is the future of coal in the United States? How have federal regulations impacted its use across the country? How is the transition off of coal being felt in coal-dependent communities and states? Are there ways to burn and use coal that are cleaner, and will lessen its negative environmental impact? Inside Energy has covered these issues in a series of stories produced in collaboration with Allegheny Front, West Virginia Public Broadcasting, and High Plains News. We continue to report on these stories as they unfold.
The coal industry’s recent downturn is casting ripples throughout the economy in the West. In Wyoming, the unemployment rate is climbing faster than any other state in the country—and it’s not just miners who are struggling.
As coal companies go bankrupt, the high price tag on mine clean up is a growing concern. Today, Senate democrats introduced legislation aimed at preventing the problem from getting even bigger.
With the help of a few more delegates from a handful of states, including North Dakota, Donald Trump finally gathered enough to clinch the republican nomination. And with that news, the official Republican Presidential nominee rolled into Bismarck, North Dakota on Thursday.
There’s a polarized debate going on in this country about the future of fossil fuels, specifically coal. Beneath that debate is a real disconnect between the people who produce coal and those who consume it. Inside Energy’s Leigh Paterson reports.
In another blow to the U.S. coal industry, the Army Corps of Engineers on Monday denied approval for a new coal terminal in the Pacific Northwest. The Gateway Pacific Terminal would have doubled total U.S. coal export capacity and would have been the largest export terminal in the country.
Jordan Wirfs-Brock | America’s coal industry is hurting, facing layoffs and bankruptcies. The drop off in coal production over the past year is staggering. But what does it sound like? We’ve mapped the data to music so you can hear coal production fall off a cliff.
As the state’s energy booms go bust, Wyoming is facing the colossal task of having to replace some of its main economic drivers. It’s either that or learn to live with less.
Peabody Energy has declared bankruptcy, making it just the latest of the coal giants to go under. What does it mean?
Peabody Energy, the country’s largest coal company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Wednesday.
An interactive timeline detailing the collapse of Peabody Energy, the world’s largest coal company.
