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“Coal is simply a noncompetitive commodity in today’s marketplace, and Washington politicians can do next to nothing to change that fact,” writes an emeritus professor at the University of Kentucky.

Designed for “tailor-made support to regions that will be most affected,” the Just Transition Mechanism is being built with localities in mind and with $50 billion in reinvestment awaiting deployment.

Aiming to encourage grass-roots initiatives in coalfield communities across the board, the National Economic Transition platform emphasizes investment from Appalachia to the Western U.S. in infrastructure, energy production, and healthcare.

As the fast-moving transition from coal proceeds, “Our elected leaders must recognize that this industry is in decline and be proactive in building a future for these workers and communities.”

A diverse coalition of leaders in coal communities nationwide have banded together to take on one of the most pressing challenges facing Wyoming and fellow coal-producing regions: how to adapt to the downturn in the coal sector and build new economies.

The plan targets devastated communities from Virginia to Arizona. “There is a debt to be paid,” said one proponent.

“People of both regions are renowned for their independence, tenacity and ability to endure tough circumstances. Coal’s end does not also mean the end of the communities it once dominated.”

Public services are collapsing in Campbell County, Wyo., as laid-off miners relocate, taking spouses who work in healthcare with them. Two small-town hospitals in West Virginia have closed this year.

As change continues, tensions grow: “This tug of war between preserving living-wage, unionized coal jobs and addressing climate change is playing out across the country at every level of government.”

A municipally owned power company will transfer workers to new jobs as it shuts down coal-fired power. “"I believe we can do this with no layoffs," the company CEO said.