Coal extracted from federal land is an important source of energy and government revenue. However, the current federal royalty structure lacks transparency, is costly to administer, and does not provide a fair return to state and federal taxpayers.
— 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.
read moreof Coal Communities Lack Strong Transition Plans
— 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.
read moreof Comparing Coal Fiscal Policies for Western States
— A guide to planning for the long-term social, economic and environmental well-being of the community of Colstrip, Montana.
read moreof The Context and Status of Colstrip’s Coal-Fired Power Plant
— This post compares economic and demographic characteristics of communities where coal-fired power plants have recently retired or are scheduled to retire.
read moreof Communities at Risk from Closing Coal Plants