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This study examines the impacts of various factors on coal production and employment trends in different regions of West Virginia. It analyzes pressures on coal, such as low natural gas prices, environmental regulations, and competition with renewables. Results provide insights for a brighter economic future in the state.
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#WVBrightFuture A BRIGHT ECONOMIC FUTURE FOR THE MOUNTAIN STATE
A Roadmap for Sustainable Economic Development in West Virginia L. Jeremy Richardson Union of Concerned Scientists
Study Areas Northern WV: 29 Northern App counties Non-Mining counties Southern WV: Central App counties
Questions? JRichardson@ucsusa.org
Research Questions • What factors will impact coal production in the coming decade, and how will WV be affected? • What are the employment trends in the mining industry for the state? • How are different parts of WV (which mine different types of coal) vulnerable to these changes?
Pressures on Coal • Low Natural Gas Prices • Environmental Regulations • Declining Productivity • Competition with Other Regions • Competition with Renewables and Efficiency • Economic Recession and Excess Capacity • Climate Change Policy
Methods • Considered different EIA scenarios for coal production through 2020 • Estimated WV production based on average from previous three years • Conducted multi-regional analysis using an input-output model to gauge employment and output impacts