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As three coal plants and mines wind down, a plan for what comes next.

“I want to stay. I just love it here. I don’t know what living here is going to look like or how I’m going to provide income for myself and my family...But I just love the area even though we’re on such a downhill when it comes to [things] economically.”

Policy hurdles prevent schools and other public institutions in Southwest Virginia from adopting solar energy and capturing its economic benefits.

Tourism, retail, and real estate markets have grown in the town of Craig, providing a spark to its transition planning efforts.

The former mine land has not been reclaimed, adding to the environmental and economic challenges the communities face as they transition away from coal.

A new report from the Western Organization of Resource Councils estimates that reclamation activities could create over 6,000 full-time jobs in Western states and provides recommendations for policymakers.

“Their sweat and blood provided the ‘black gold’ that built this country’s industrial base and paved the way for many of the benefits Americans now take for granted such as an eight-hour workday, health insurance, safer workplaces and pensions for those who are still lucky enough to get them.”

While proponents cite local coal job retention, others are skeptical of high costs and impacts on nearby people and environments.

Despite challenges of its own, the country’s approach to phasing out coal is a useful guide to how the United States can ensure a just transition for workers and communities.

“The question is whether we watch passively from the sidelines or try to direct this once-in-a-lifetime transition in ways that are efficient for energy producers, affordable for energy consumers, fair for workers, and sustainable in our use of earth’s resources.”