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For nearly 60 years, presidents have promised to lift up Appalachia, but many communities remain on the brink.

“President Biden’s executive order recognizes what people in the coalfields have known for years—that they sacrificed to grow our nation’s economy, and that they now bear the brunt of changes in global energy markets. This announcement gives us new hope that we can accelerate the just transition to a new economy, an economy that can be more diverse, resilient, sustainable and equitable.”

With the support of community leaders, the family business is weathering coal’s decline by pivoting to solar storage—and creating jobs in the process.

“Economic development focusing on restoring the land once miners leave is a natural fit for beleaguered towns suffering the latest bust. Plus, by patching up the torn landscape these communities will help clear the path for other types of economic development, such as tourism or recreation.”

Analysts expect coal’s decline to continue, but the President is taking steps to support communities impacted by this transition.

To prepare for its coal plant’s closure, the town of Craig is working with a local community college to train workers—including displaced plant workers—in a range of new sectors.

The new working group includes representatives from key federal agencies and will make recommendations to promote economic revitalization in America’s coal communities.

Last month, 13 organizations—including the Just Transition Fund and community organizations across the country—outlined the need for a federal coordinating entity and greater funding for transition programs.

With political attention focused on West Virginia, community leaders and national development experts think the state provides a model for how the federal government can promote rural prosperity through investment in broadband, local amenities, and other strategies.

The state’s plant workers, residents, and local leaders seek new sources of livelihood while reflecting on coal’s complex legacy for their communities.