The Coal Trap: How West Virginia Was Left Behind in the Clean Energy Revolution

by James M. Van Nostrand

Between 2009 and 2019, West Virginian politicians aligned themselves with the interests of the coal industry to the substantial detriment of the citizens and economy of the state. Despite the undeniable low-carbon transformation that was occurring in the energy industry in the US during this period, state political leaders doubled down on coal. Rather than provide the leadership necessary to manage the transition of the state's economic drivers away from fossil fuels, they largely blamed the demise of the coal industry on the federal government. At every turn, the interests of the coal industry were placed above the economic and environmental health of West Virginians. James Van Nostrand tells the story of why West Virginia now faces overwhelming obstacles to competing in the economic marketplace of the twenty-first century. The book serves as a warning of how a fair energy transition can be derailed by political failure.

Genres: Nonfiction

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2022

Reviews

[Tom Hardiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A no nonsense, fact based case for West Virginia’s leaders to embrace clean, renewable energy solutions. Coal is a huge part of the state’s history and its past. But it cannot and will not be the dominate economic driver for the future. It’s time to move past the rhetoric and come up with real solutions.

[Zachariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Supported three times over, Professor Van Nostrand gives his fact-based retelling of energy in Appalachia. The author is believable, and every page teaches something new. Dense perhaps, but the footnotes are a treasure trove, and a deliberate reading undeniably educates the reader and the public for the good.