West Virginia : a post-mortem of economic challenges experienced by coal communities in a time of shifting energy trends

Abstract

The rising threat of climate change has influenced the way we look at energy consumption and the sources of energy that we utilize. As society trends toward preferring sustainable and clean energy sources and away from carbon-polluting energy sources, both positive and negative change inevitably occurs on a global and local scale. To the best of our ability, we must try to anticipate the negative implications and help mitigate the magnitude of their consequence on lives and livelihoods while reaping the benefits and opportunities that come with the expansion of clean energy.This research investigates the impact that mass coal plant closures have on communities singularly dependent on coal for their livelihoods and overall economic health. By examining the economic and societal fallout of West Virginian communities, a region significantly affected by and still grappling with the energy transition, critical factors that led to their hardships are uncovered. West Virginia can therefore be considered a post-mortem case study for lessons that should be learned and applied in similar communities with sector dependency. Based on a series of expert interviews and an in-depth literature review, qualitative data is gathered to summarize twelve key takeaways and lessons learned from the energy transition in West Virginia. These lessons emphasize the importance of economic diversification and access to critical functions, and the role individuals and collective communities play in economic resiliency.