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“People will build and go back to work,” one analyst said. Among transition projects just breaking ground: A wind farm worth $60 million in tax revenue to an Ohio county.

Citing deteriorating demand, owners of Buckskin Mine let a quarter of its 206 workers go; the news follows word of 50 layoffs at North Antelope Rochelle Mine on March 5.

The Somerset County Operating Plant, the state’s last coal generator, will become the site of a new energy-data hub, and its closure has raised possibilities around local utility-scale renewable investment.

“A noticeable reduction in corporate giving and all manner of charitable support” is in evidence regionally as coal companies curb support for youth programs, education awards, and other nonprofit initiatives.

State lawmakers have finally opened the door to the solar industry, and in West Virginia, Coalfield Development Corporation is among several groups working to repurpose former coalfield sites as utility-scale hubs.

NTEC waived its “sovereign immunity” from Montana state regulations but still hasn’t been able to secure $400 million in cleanup bonding and hasn’t acquired the federal land leases it needs.

The state is vying aggressively for taking the lead in the buildout of thousands of megawatts of offshore wind-power production. A turbine blade factory may also be in the works.

“By 2030 at the latest, it will be cheaper to build new wind or solar capacity than continue operating coal in all markets,” concludes a study on fast-moving market trends.

“This is not driven by the performance of our employees, but rather the realities of the market,” a Kiewett representative said. The news follows bankruptcies by Cloud Peak and Blackjewel.

In the news lately for its existential downturn, Craig, Colo., has a skilled workforce, rail infrastructure, world-class scenery, and an enviable quality of life. But no plan for the future.