Even in bad economy, coal helps communities thrive

Morgantown, W.Va., is thriving despite disparaging times. This recent CNBC interview with Morgantown Mayor Ron Justice demonstrates how coal is contributing to the local economy.

Mayor Justice calls coal the “backbone of the economy” and attributes much of the city’s low unemployment rate (3.2 percent) to coal. From manufacturing and mining jobs to clean coal research at West Virginia University, the diversity of employment options has presented myriad opportunities for residents.

When you compare Morgantown’s local economy to some areas where unemployment rate has reached double digits, it’s clear that coal can be a significant catalyst for economic recovery.

Check out the full interview here—it may cause you to reconsider the role of American coal in your community.

Comments

[Educated Citizen]

Funny, I read about Morgantown on the AP wire yesterday didn't I? Right, isn't that where 250 people are suing the coal companies for pumping coal slurry into empty coal mines that were sitting on top of the towns water supply? You disgust me.

And don't try to sell me any lies about the state EPA saying there is no connection. Anyone who has been to the coal fields of Appalachia knows the state EPA office is in the pocket of Massey.