Is there a way out for communities whose economies revolve around coal mining?
If coal mining profits drop, railroad jobs, service industries, and real estate in places such as Appalachia also suffer. The tax base for public schools and infrastructure in areas that already lack strong roads and schools also decline. The thing is these workers and communities should have more clout. Over 50% of the electricity used in the U.S. is supplied by coal. Many industries, corporations and homes benefit from coal powered electricity. The price of miner safety and well being is likely undervalued due to the key role coal plays in the U.S. economy. Active unions and voting solidarity could shift presidential elections in what is close to a 50-50 nation. West Virginia alone could have swayed the 2000 election to either candidate. As improbable as it sounds, had John Kerry won coal rich Tennessee and Kentucky he would have claimed the 2004 presidency. If coal mining communities vote in greater unison, they will command the attention of both the Republican and Democratic Partie
