Coal towns in red states, particularly in Montana, continue to be a vital energy source for the West Coast, despite the widespread belief that blue states have moved away from coal power. These towns, which have historically powered major cities like Portland and Seattle, face challenges as they navigate a future potentially devoid of fossil fuels. This ongoing reliance on coal power presents an uncomfortable reality for both climate advocates and political leaders. Sammy Roth's LA Times report, based on 6 months of reporting, underscores the nuanced realities faced by these communities and the broader implications for environmental policy.
“Coal is not dead yet. It’s still alive and well.” That’s an uncomfortable reality for West Coasters critical of red-state environmental policies but not in the habit of urging their politicians to work across state lines to change them. https://t.co/bFlPYNwb9G
I spent 6 months reporting on a small Montana coal town that’s supplied power to the Portland and Seattle areas for decades. Republicans won’t love what I wrote. Neither will many Democrats. Read my @latimes deep dive and let me know what you think: https://t.co/acheeH8Yc1
For years, the West’s biggest cities exported their emissions, building distant coal generators to fuel their explosive growth. The wave of coal plants created jobs, towns and tribes. All are now struggling to map out a future without fossil fuels. https://t.co/bFlPYNwb9G
Whether we like it or not, the west coast still relies on red state coal @Sammy_Roth https://t.co/OBW3ZmWJze
Red state coal towns still power the West Coast. We can't just let them die. Story by @Sammy_Roth and photos by @rgaut999 https://t.co/Fk7jclUzXP
Contrary to popular belief, blue states haven't killed coal power. It's alive & well in the American West. I spent a week in Montana trying to figure out why. My @latimes story has hard lessons for climate advocates and Trump voters alike. Check it out: https://t.co/acheeH8Yc1
Red state coal towns still power the West Coast. We can't just let them die https://t.co/Ro3flBOnXh