The Center for the New Energy Economy today released a series of micro-documentaries— Craig, Colorado, Coal Town in Transition —that provides an up-close look at a rural, Colorado town facing an economic transition away from coal. The four-part series is designed to spark conversations and increase understanding across the urban-rural divide by illustrating the reality of a local community facing the closure of Craig’s two mines and coal power plant within the coming decade. In partnership with Clouds North Films, the series centers local voices and the real-life impacts of policy, drawing connections and detailing choices and consequences of decisions, including how to build an equitable transition for a community of “can do” people. From the coal miner’s daughter and successful entrepreneur, to the mineworker, schoolteacher, and the county official, the subjects of the series all voice their thoughts on their community’s future — from worry to hope. The series encourages viewers to listen to coal country voices and consider how energy policy can shape and drive not only the fate of coal mines and plants but inspire cleaner energy solutions, more effective state decision-making, and community and economic resilience.

Watch the series and learn more here: https://cnee.colostate.edu/energytransition