There's even a coal miner on the state flag."It's almost impossible to grow up in West Virginia and not be impacted by the coal industry.
Despite the industry's two-decade long decline, recent data shows that nearly 10% of the state's annual GDP still comes from the coal industry. Over 85% of power in the state is generated by coal-powered plants. Residents, miners and coal officials worry that more of the same is to come if policymakers in Washington get their way.
Having started his career as a miner, and now with 50 years of industry experience, he argues that coal is vital to his state's economy. Understanding the history and context of West Virginia can help policymakers have more empathy and compassion, he said., an organization with a mission to"create economic opportunity for the frontline communities and workers hardest hit by the transition away from coal," said a false choice is being created between the economy and the environment.k."It's so important for people to know that, as we're talking about an energy transition.
The building pressures from mine closures, job losses, ineffective retraining programs, and criticism from what he calls the"mainstream media" have alienated many West Virginians, Dennison said. This ultimately makes it harder to achieve consensus on a national climate agenda.
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