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 view of the tops of wheat stalks in a field

Drought-hit Britain heads for worst cereal harvest in four decades

Britain's cereal harvest is on track to be the worst since comparable records began in 1984, as crops wither after one of the driest and hottest spring-summer periods on record.

A word cloud with the word Misinformation among other vocabulary

With AI slop, wildfire misinformation is mutating online

How conspiracy theories, misinformation and AI-generated images anchored by social media engagement are playing out during Canada’s 2026 wildfires
A firetruck pulling up to a house on fire

Editorial: Blaming environmentalism is convenient for those who failed to see the climate crisis coming

The anger and frustration expressed over the destruction caused by wildfires and other climate disasters are legitimate, yet these emotions should be directed at the lack of sufficient collective action, not used to rewrite what happened.

A woman walking in a field with a group of sheep

How regenerative farmers are shielding Spanish land from wildfires

Europe’s regenerative farmers are providing vital wildfire protection — but they need more support.

A woman using a blue fan to try to cool herself off

Scientists say global warming is making summer miserable, but soon El Niño will add to the heat

With parts of the globe aflame in wildfires, deadly heat waves parking over cities, record hot oceans and a strengthening super El Niño, it seems like we’re baking through the hottest year on record.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sign at the headquarters building in Washington, DC.
Credit: marcnorman/BigStock Photo ID: 21123533

Court rules against Trump EPA’s freeze of $20B in ​‘green bank’ funds

A federal appeals court finds the U.S. EPA acted improperly in terminating grants to boost clean energy projects. The Trump administration may appeal to the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court of the United States located in Washington DC

Supreme Court sets date for blockbuster climate case

Suncor v. Boulder could determine the fate of dozens of lawsuits filed by cities, counties, and states against oil and gas companies.

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.