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Coal

Solutions for Transitioning Coal-Dependent Communities

September 2019

The most effective fiscal policies for communities facing transition away from coal dependency are those that build wealth over time and strengthen community capacity.

Coal Transition in Montrose County, Colorado

February 2019

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New fiscal and policy assessments help local leaders understand their exposure to declining revenue and policy barriers during a coal transition.

Coal Communities Lack Strong Transition Plans

May 2018

A recent review published in the Resources Policy journal with researchers at Montana State University shows that coal communities lack strong transition plans and largely are unprepared for coming changes.

Comparing Coal Fiscal Policies for Western States

November 2017

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Coal fiscal policies vary widely across the West in terms of how revenue is generated, set aside in permanent savings, or spent by state and local governments.

The Context and Status of Colstrip’s Coal-Fired Power Plant

July 2017

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A guide to planning for the long-term social, economic and environmental well-being of the community of Colstrip, Montana.

Communities at Risk from Closing Coal Plants

March 2017

This post compares economic and demographic characteristics of communities where coal-fired power plants have recently retired or are scheduled to retire.

As Energy Market Forces Shift Coal Woes West, Transition Planning Should Follow

December 2016

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The new Administration’s plans to remove coal regulations should not dampen efforts to shift coal transition planning West to assist displaced workers and diversify coal-dependent communities.

Federal Coal Program in Context

October 2016

Explore the Socioeconomic Context of the Federal Coal Leasing Program

Economic Conditions in Communities Dependent on Federal Coal

September 2016

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This blog draws on federal data and research to describe more about the local economies of the communities dependent on federal coal.

Changed Electric Power Markets Create New Volatility for Coal

September 2016

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Lower overall coal generating capacity—the outcome of coal fired power plant retirements and a demand for coal that rises and falls depending on natural gas prices—will create new volatility for coal jobs and for counties, schools, and states that depend on tax revenues from coal.

Planning for Montana’s Energy Transition

February 2016

While Montana is likely to experience relatively small impacts, coal-dependent communities in Eastern Montana are likely to feel the acute effects of job losses and declining tax revenue in the coming decades.

Outcomes of Higher Federal Coal and Natural Gas Royalty Rates

December 2015

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Analysis shows that proposed federal royalty reforms will increase the cost of delivering natural gas to domestic power plants by a greater amount than coal.

Coal Royalty Reform: Impact on Prices, Production, and State Revenue

August 2015

The proposed federal coal royalty reform rule could have substantial revenue benefits for federal and state governments, limited impact on coal production or prices on federal lands, and increased transparency.

Will Federal Coal Valuation Reforms Hurt the Coal Industry? Yes And No

March 2015

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The Office of Natural Resources Revenue recently proposed a new rule that would change the way federal coal is valued for royalty purposes. Will it hurt the industry? Yes and No.

Federal Coal Royalty Valuation: Current Structure, Effective Rates, and Reform Options

January 2015

This report reviews problems with the current federal royalty system, estimates current effective royalty rates, and offers several reform options.

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