coal industry

Coal has played a critical role in shaping Central Appalachian culture and identity. A new documentary remembers its legacy, while looking ahead to the future.

Coal use has plummeted in part because it's more expensive than natural gas or renewable energy. Mines are shutting down, and some power plants may run out of places to stockpile coal.

The Trump administration's proposed changes for coal plants could keep some of them operating longer. But even those in the industry say it won't stop coal's overall decline.

Donald Trump promised coal miners: "You're going to be working your asses off!" NPR spent more than a year in the coal counties of central Appalachia and found hope, cynicism and some surprises.

After NPR reporting on the Progressive Massive Fibrosis epidemic, Congress and the White House agreed to give the maximum funding authorized for clinics treating the disease in 15 coal-mining states.

In Ohio, the coal industry has a history dating back to the 1810's. Coal, despite its continuing usage in and out of Ohio, has fallen in the past decade.…