What will replace coal in Appalachia?

Why it's so hard to generate new economic activity in small communities

A coal miner.
(Image credit: Illustrated | Library of Congress, Khaneeros/iStock)

Michael Bloomberg wants to deliver coal its death blow. Last week, the billionaire and former New York mayor announced a $500 million campaign to directly pressure state governments, local city councils and utility commissions to shutter America's remaining coal plants. Given the havoc coal wreaks, both on the climate, and on the local environments and lives of the Americans who dig it up, Bloomberg and many others understandably believe it's high time for coal to go.

But that also leaves a lingering question: For those very same communities whose livelihoods come from coal, what will replace it?

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Jeff Spross

Jeff Spross was the economics and business correspondent at TheWeek.com. He was previously a reporter at ThinkProgress.