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Just Transition in Coal Communities

Just Transition in Coal Communities

Market forces, aging infrastructure, and environmental regulations to modernize the electric grid are contributing to the closure of coal plants and mines across the country. The coal industry is often an economic engine for host or adjacent communities, especially in rural or sparsely populated areas, so “just transition” considers and works to mitigate the impact of coal plant or mine closures on workers, communities, and the environment. In the summer of 2019, Keystone partnered with Just Transition Fund to hold a convening for 15 utilities from all over the country to discuss best practices and lessons learned when it comes to the utility role in transitions in coal-dependent communities. Keystone is also providing facilitation, research, and community engagement support for Colorado’s newly formed Just Transition Office, which is charged with supporting workers and communities across the state as their coal plants and mines prepare to close.