Uncertain times for Wyoming's coal industry

A brief resurgence, following Russian's invasion of Ukraine, seems to have played out and the future of Wyoming coal appears increasingly precarious.

Nicole Pollack reports for WyoFile.


In short:

  • Declining demand: With renewable energy sources gaining traction, Wyoming's coal industry faces a diminishing market for its product.
  • Economic impact: The downturn in coal could have ripple effects on the state's economy, potentially leading to job losses and revenue declines.
  • Environmental & health concerns: As the world shifts toward cleaner energy alternatives, the toxic toll of coal mining and burning remains a key issue.

Key quote:

“You’ve got all these mines chasing fewer and fewer customers, fewer and fewer tons getting shipped out.”

— Seth Feaster, energy data analyst

Visit EHN's energy section for more top news about energy, climate and health.

A group of hospital staff and administrators discussing something in a hallway

Parrish Medical Center earns gold sustainability award in Titusville

Parrish Medical Center in Titusville, Florida earned a gold environmental award after reducing medical waste and carbon emissions.

A table with medical supplies on it

Turning compliance into a catalyst for healthcare sustainability

With hospitals generating an average of 29 pounds of waste per bed each day, how that waste is managed carries serious environmental, operational, and public health implications.

A view of a patient on a gurney being rushed through a hospital

Patients weigh in: The value of healthcare environmental stewardship to patient experience

Human health relies on a healthy planet, yet the healthcare sector has a substantial negative impact on the environment.

A row of solar panels with mountains and a wind turbine in the background

Renewable energy just broke a 100-year-old streak

For more than a century, the world has run on coal, then last year, it lost the lead.

3D illustration of oil barrels on stacks of golden coins and oil pump jack with market price chart. Growth of oil stock prices and extraction of oil concept.
Credit: maxxyustas/BigStock Photo ID: 432132710

‘Suicidal’ model of capitalism leading to war and fascism, climate summit told

Colombia president Gustavo Petro tells delegates at 57-country talks on a green energy transition that fossil fuel interests could destroy humanity.

Judge's hammer gavel and rolled banknotes with USA flag in the background.
Phot credit: Copyright: weyo / BigStock Photo ID: 165149045

Oil industry’s Supreme Court win spills into climate lawsuits

The justices sided with fossil fuel companies facing coastal erosion lawsuits in Louisiana. The ruling could complicate their fight against financial responsibility for climate change.

Solar panels juxtaposed against transmission lines and wind turbines
Credit: kckate16/ BigStock Photo ID: 478351339

Extreme weather and green energy on the rise in Europe

Europe's climate extremes have hit new highs — but renewables are now supplying nearly half of the continent's electricity.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.