Latest News

As the U.S. Pursues Clean Energy and the Climate Goals of the Paris Agreement, Communities Dependent on the Fossil Fuel Economy Look for a Just Transition

A new report identifies areas from Appalachia to Alaska that will need help to keep their employment, wages and tax bases from falling steeply as coal, oil and gas are phased out.

Inside Climate News

Coal Transition Leaders See Need for Bold Federal Policies

Encouraged by President Biden’s new working group and infrastructure plan, transition advocates are calling for community-informed policies that address a range of needs.

The Biden Administration’s Promise to Reclaim Abandoned Mine Lands

President Biden is taking steps to reclaim the country’s former coal mines, but success depends on effective regulation and administration.

Opinion: Infrastructure Bill Should Go Big for Coal Country

“The biggest possible mistake we could make would be to try and return to the coal-based economy of yesterday. The second biggest mistake would be to go small on the infrastructure bill currently under debate between Congress and the White House.”

Huntington Herald-Dispatch

Colorado Funds New Office of Just Transition

The state has allocated $15 million to help the office support coal workers and economic development in impacted communities.

West Virginia Legislators Create Coal Community Work Group

A new informal work group will hold listening sessions in the state’s impacted communities to discuss ideas for economic revitalization.

Charleston Gazette-Mail

The Cultural Aspect of Coal Transition

As communities navigate coal’s decline, local leaders see a need to combine cultural change with economic development in order to build long-term prosperity.

Opinion: Infrastructure can help unite urban and rural frontline communities

Underserved residents, whether in cities or remote regions, should build bridges and stand together.

Colorado Newsline

Lack of Rural Infrastructure Could Inhibit Transition Efforts

A panel of NGOs views a lack of infrastructure investment, especially in broadband, as a barrier to creating economic opportunity in coal-impacted areas.

White House Working Group Releases Initial Report on Impacted Coal Communities

Developed by President Biden’s new Interagency Working Group, the report identifies 25 priority communities, lists federal programs that communities can leverage, and includes recommendations for addressing transition challenges.