Our grandfathers benefited from a transition to mechanization to improve mine safety. Geological Survey estimates place “peak coal” production as early as 2020.Īs grandchildren of black-lung-afflicted coal miners from Kentucky, Illinois, and southwestern Virginia, we honor our families’ sacrifices in recognizing, not denying, the true cost of coal. This means that coalfield residents, like all Americans, deserve a road map for a feasible transition to clean-energy jobs - including a Coal Miner’s GI Bill for retraining and a massive reinvestment in sustainable economic development in coalfield communities - before we reach a point of no return.Īll coal mining communities know that the first time in 25 years, utilities coal stockpiles have increased during the summer absentee coal companies are cutting jobs and idling higher-cost mines to keep their stock holders happy in a period of slumping demand recent U.S. Every coal miner deserves a right to a sustainable livelihood given the legacy of our coal miners, we also believe no coal miner should be displaced from his or her job until we develop clean energy alternatives.

Here's HowĬoal mining, which provides 45 percent of our electricity, will not end tomorrow. To support our nonprofit environmental journalism, please consider disabling your ad-blocker to allow ads on Grist.

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