Photo Credit: Jackson Cooper Gango
The energy sector in the U.S. and around the globe is in transition. Coal plants are shutting down earlier than expected, and conventional electricity generation is being replaced by cleaner and less expensive energy sources like renewables (wind and solar) and natural gas. Communities home to coal mines and coal plants rely on the jobs and revenue provided by the industry, and with mine and plant closures, they will face uncertain futures. The Center for the New Energy Economy (CNEE) is working with coal community members and policymakers to help support community-led, equitable transitions from coal to a cleaner economy.
Explore our work below.
Our Micro-documentaries: Craig, Colorado: Coal Town in Transition
Resources for Communities in Transition
The resources in this section are geared toward community members and decision-makers seeking actionable ideas to prepare for a transition.
User Guide to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, BlueGreen Alliance
Getting Started on a Just Transition: A Blueprint for Communities, Just Transition Fund
Solutions for Transitioning Coal-Dependent Communities, Headwaters Economics
Economic Development Directory
ReImagine Appalachia Blueprint: A New Deal That Works for Us (PDF)
Economic Strategy Group: Bringing Jobs to People: Improving Local Economic Development Policies
BlueGreen Alliance: Solidarity for Climate Action
People Who Can Help
Suzanne Tegen, Assistant Director, Center for the New Energy Economy
Email Suzanne Tegen HereCindy Winland, Consultant
Email Cindy Winland Here
The resources in this section provide information for state legislators, community members, and local governments on programs that provide financial assistance to support communities in transition. The examples from utility-contributed funds might provide a framework for a community “ask” of utilities’ for support during a transition.
Federal Funding Opportunities
Federal Economic Resources Matrix: Sortable and Searchable Database
Economic Development Administration: Coal Communities Commitment (PDF)
USEDA Assistance to Coal Communities
Utility Contributions
Arizona: Utility Offers $169 Million Deal with Navajo Nation
Montana: Puget Sound Energy (PSE) Provides Economic Impact Funds for Colstrip
Private Philanthropy
Other Resources
Helpful Hints for Submitting a Strong EDA Proposal
Securitization: A Finance Tool for Energy Transition, Powder River Basin Resource Council (Video)
Economic Development Policies to Enable Fairness for Workers and Communities in Transition
People Who Can Help
- Cindy Winland, Consultant
Email Cindy Winland Here - Suzanne Tegen, Assistant Director, Center for the New Energy Economy
Email Suzanne Tegen Here - Carlyn Petrella, Policy Analyst, Center for the New Energy Economy
Email Carlyn Petrella Here
The resources in this section are for those who want to learn about legislation related to the energy transition.
Coal Transition Legislation Table
Policy Ideas
National Economic Transition Platform – Just Transition Fund
Securitization: A Finance Tool for Energy Transition, Powder River Basin Resource Council (Video)
Regulatory Assistance Program (RAP)
Environmental Defense Fund – Economic Development Policies for Communities in Transition (PDF)
The resources in this section provide specific examples of existing federal and state programs.
Federal
Environmental Protection Agency – Brownfields Federal Program Guide (2019)
Arizona
ASU – Just Energy Transition Center
Colorado
Colorado Office of Just Transition
Colorado Just Transition Plan Draft (August 2020) (PDF)
Montana
Headwaters Economics – Planning For Montana’s Energy Transition (February 2016)
New Mexico
Department of Workforce Solutions – Energy Transition Act Committee
Utah
Utah Roadmap Positive Solutions on Climate and Air Quality (January 2020) (PDF)
Wyoming
Wyoming ENDOW Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming (August 2018)
People Who Can Help
Suzanne Tegen, Assistant Director, Center for the New Energy Economy
Email Suzanne Tegen HereClara Summers, Climate and Energy Manager, National Caucus of Environmental Legislators
Email Clara Summers Here- Taryn Finnessey, Senior Policy Advisor, United States Climate Alliance
Email Taryn Finnessey Here
This resources in this section are for anyone looking for resources to help through employment transitions.
Career Exploration: Apprenticeship Programs by State
Union of Concerned Scientists: Supporting the Nation’s Coal Workers (PDF)
United Mine Workers of America (PDF)
Labor Network for Sustainability
Department of Labor: Adult Training
The resources in this section explore energy transitions occurring around the world.
The World’s Coal Power Plants Mapped
Coal Transitions: An International Research Hub
National Renewable Energy Laboratory – Energy Transitions
What Should Coal Communities Do When Power Plants Shut Down? Ask Germany (March 2021)
Photo Credit: Jackson Cooper Gango
