Federal proposals to end coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, combined with falling coal demand, suggest a potential end to the American coal mining industry, raising existential concerns in coal-dependent communities.

Despite the industry's decline, nearly 15 million people live in areas that rely on coal for economic stability and tax revenue, underscoring the significant impact of coal even as employment in the sector dwindles to less than 40,000.

Kemmerer, Wyoming, with a population of 2,500, is facing the urgent need to reinvent itself after over a century of reliance on coal, which has shaped its identity and economy.

In 2023, coal generated only 16% of U.S. electricity, a significant drop from over 50% a decade earlier, as the nation transitions toward renewable energy sources.

This shift marked the first time in over a century that renewable energy consumption surpassed coal in the U.S., coinciding with a decline in coal production in Wyoming, the leading coal-producing state.

In response to these challenges, Kemmerer is pursuing a new nuclear plant project by TerraPower, aimed at addressing power demand, although it may not generate enough energy quickly enough to replace lost coal jobs.

The local economy is further impacted by PacifiCorp's announcement in April 2024 to convert the Naughton Power Plant's remaining units to natural gas, with complete closure expected by 2036.

As the Naughton Power Plant and local coal mine face closure, residents like Mark Thatcher and his wife Verna are discussing the implications of the new nuclear plant development near their home.

Lynne Huskinson, a former miner, now advocates against coal mining, recognizing its environmental impact while expressing concerns about the economic collapse that could follow the loss of coal jobs.

The transition away from coal is complicated by the finite nature of coal reserves, conflicting economic interests, and the pressing need for job creation in clean energy sectors.

Despite these challenges, some miners, like Cliff Green, remain optimistic about coal's relevance in the energy landscape, reflecting the tension between past pride and present challenges.

Mark Thatcher, who began his coal mining career in 1976, reflects on the pride and interdependence among miners, contrasting this with the current stigma surrounding coal mining.