Support for displaced coal workers is popular and bipartisan in the United States: Evidence from Western Colorado

The United States coal industry is in a slow death spiral, primarily because of the abundance of inexpensive natural gas and the emergence of renewables. Although transitioning from coal is essential for decarbonization and provides many dividends for public health, the looming implosion of the industry creates difficulties for workers and communities, leading to calls for a just transition for coal workers. Several policies have been proposed to assist displaced miners. In this analysis, we use survey data to evaluate support for funding to assist miners with relocation or retraining, and pension protection. Here we show that these policies enjoy broad, nonpartisan support, implying that policy makers can help realize a just transition for coal dependent communities.

Automated summary

The declining coal industry in the United States, due to the availability of cheap natural gas and the rise of renewables, poses challenges for workers and communities. Policies to support a just transition for coal workers, such as relocation or retraining assistance and pension protection, enjoy broad and bipartisan support, suggesting that policymakers can help facilitate a fair transition for coal dependent communities.