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“Rural communities could better pursue a clean energy future if current debt on existing coal plant infrastructure could be eliminated in exchange for a requirement to invest in clean energy and energy efficiency.”

While uptake of wind-powered electricity is being driven by Iowa and Texas, the state of Indiana, long committed to coal, is also “making the decision to transition to more renewables.”

U.S. trends mirror what has happened in Great Britain, “where coal use has fallen precipitously since early this millennium and today makes up just 5% of the power generation mix.”

“In short, negativity toward thermal coal is everywhere,” say industry analysts who see no relief in sight for the beleaguered industry.

A plaintiff cites “almost endless” ripple effects that include “both the potential financial and emotional impact on an entire community.”

As the coal economies of Montana and Wyoming shrink, companies long involved have shown little interest in the fate of local communities. “The hardworking people of the region deserve far better,” writes the author.

As coal is phased out, the Canadian government is investing $35 million over the next several years in programs aimed at helping workers adjust to a new economy.

Aiming for “significant employment, social and environmental benefits,” a regional initiative is being built around plans by the national utility, Eskom, to move away from coal-fired power

After filing bankruptcy on Monday, Revelation Energy and its affiliate Blackjewel told workers not to report for their next shifts. Revelation/Blackjewel employs miners in Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

“We can’t wait for Washington to act, as is evident by the many [Green New Deal-like projects] already underway in local communities around the nation,” one activist said.