When it comes to the impact of wind farms on coal towns, the English language is utilized with the keyphrase “wind farm impact coal town” at the forefront.
The Impact of Wind Farms on Coal Towns
Keyser, West Virginia, experiences a significant shift in its energy landscape with the emergence of wind turbines in the vicinity of its traditional coal mining region.
Haiyun Jiang for NPR
Keyser, West Virginia, undergoes an energy transition with the installation of wind turbines near its historic coal mining area.
Sheila Wagoner, a resident of Keyser, West Virginia, expresses her disapproval of the wind farm that now overlooks the town. At 71 years old, she voices her discomfort, stating, “I really don’t care for those windmills. I guess I wasn’t brought up with that kind of society. Like 50 of ’em together? Who likes all that?”
Wagoner’s unease goes beyond the visual impact of the wind turbines. Coming from a long line of families in Keyser and across West Virginia that depended on the coal industry for livelihoods, she reminisces about her late father, who worked as a railway engineer for coal trains that once traversed Keyser continuously.
Today, the sight of these coal trains has become increasingly rare in the town’s landscape.
While Wagoner shares her sentiments, a few remaining coal trains pass through the town of just under 5,000 residents. Witnessing one of these trains roll by, she becomes emotional, reflecting, “That reminds me of my dad. When I see a train, my dad’s there. Those memories are good memories.”
There is a prevailing belief in West Virginia that the rise of renewable energy, like wind farms, has contributed to the decline of the coal industry. However, this narrative lacks completeness. The decline in coal-related jobs had begun long before the arrival of wind turbines in Keyser back in 2012.
Nevertheless, the presence of these turbines serves as a clear, albeit bitter, indication of changing times. Slowly spinning in the wind, they evoke a mix of emotions among the community.
The Intersection of Pride and Politics in Keyser
Residents of Keyser take pride in returning home covered in coal dust, viewing it as a badge of honor symbolizing a hard day’s work.
Mayor Damon Tillman of Keyser reflects on this sentiment, attributing it to the deep-rooted Appalachian culture of pride and resilience. He emphasizes the significance of energy in the town’s economy, highlighting the pivotal role of coal.
As the world transitions towards renewable energy sources, the traditional coal town of Keyser faces the wind farm impact, signaling a shift in the energy landscape.
Impact of Wind Farms on a Coal Town
In Keyser, Damon Tillman asserts that the coal industry will not return to its former glory. This sentiment is echoed by many residents who take pride in the town’s coal heritage and the labor that accompanied it.
Railway tracks running through Keyser have historically facilitated the transportation of coal and other goods. However, the landscape is changing with the introduction of renewable energy projects like the Pinnacle Wind Farm, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act.
While the legislation, championed by Senator Joe Manchin, promises to accelerate the transition to renewable energy with substantial funding, there are doubts among locals like Tillman about whether Keyser will benefit. Tillman expresses skepticism, noting that smaller towns like Keyser often miss out on such investments, which tend to favor larger cities.
Despite the influx of “green energy” dollars into West Virginia, there is a sense of political ambivalence. Hoppy Kercheval, a veteran radio host in the state, observes a paradoxical situation where the state’s conservative leanings clash with the push for renewable energy.
Against the backdrop of wind turbines spinning in Keyser, the political landscape becomes even more complex. Kercheval highlights the dichotomy where leaders participate in green energy initiatives while criticizing federal plans like the Inflation Reduction Act due to their partisan associations.
As West Virginia grapples with these conflicting dynamics, there is a growing acceptance that the coal industry’s decline is irreversible. Mayor Tillman concurs, acknowledging that coal’s prominence in the region is waning.
The Impact of Wind Farms on Coal Towns
There is a common misconception that the rise of renewables, such as wind farms, is the primary cause of the decline in the coal industry. However, the reality is that renewables have played a minimal role in this shift.
Since its peak in the 1920s, the coal industry has experienced a steady decrease in jobs over the years. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including the introduction of automation starting in the 1980s and a gradual transition to natural gas that spanned from the late 2010s.
By the time the Keyser Wind Farm was finalized in 2012, the coal industry had already significantly diminished from its former stature.
The Biden Administration frequently emphasizes the concept of a “just transition,” which promises individuals transitioning out of fossil fuel-related jobs the opportunity to secure employment in the renewable energy sector, such as wind farms.
An illustrative example of this transition is Doug Vance, who currently serves as the site manager at the Pinnacle Wind Farm. Vance reflects on his family’s deep-rooted history in the coal industry, stating, “My entire family was involved in coal. I worked in the fuel preparation plant, where we processed coal for fuel-fired power plants and coal-fired power plants for many years.”
The Impact of Wind Farms on Coal Towns
In February, Doug Vance, positioned in the middle, conducted a staff meeting with technicians. This shift from coal to wind is exemplified by Vance, who now operates from a cozy cabin-office for Clearway Energy, the entity that possesses the Pinnacle Wind Farm.
Transitioning from coal to wind energy, however, is not a common occurrence for individuals who have lost coal-related jobs in West Virginia. Unlike coal processing, renewables like wind and solar do not provide the same level of hands-on work and job opportunities.
Vance acknowledges the limited workforce at the Pinnacle Wind Farm, consisting of only six full-time employees. This small number underscores the disparity in job creation between coal and renewable energy sectors.
Economist Mark Curtis from Wake Forest University has extensively researched the workforce transition from fossil fuels to renewables, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals seeking employment in the renewable energy industry.
The Visual Impact of Wind Turbines
The picturesque wind turbines surrounding the Pinnacle Wind Farm adorn the ridge, symbolizing the shift towards renewable energy sources.
Challenges Faced by the Pinnacle Wind Farm
Despite its environmental benefits, the Pinnacle Wind Farm operates with just a handful of full-time staff. Research indicates that a minimal percentage of workers leaving fossil fuel jobs successfully transition to renewable energy employment opportunities.
Eleanor Krause, a researcher specializing in labor within the renewables sector, highlights the geographical challenge of replacing coal mines with wind turbines or solar panels. The disparity in location between coal mines and renewable energy sources poses a significant obstacle to workforce transition.
Revamping the Workforce for Wind Farm Impact in Coal Towns
It’s evident that to mitigate the severe consequences of climate change, the urgent shift from carbon-emitting fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like wind and solar is imperative.
Despite a significant portion of federal renewable investment funds being allocated to states such as West Virginia, the progress in fulfilling Biden’s commitment to a “just transition” has been limited, as noted by Krause.
Krause suggests that the primary issue lies in prioritizing workforce development over tax incentives.
She emphasizes that investing in training initiatives within local and state educational institutions is crucial for rejuvenating the labor force and enhancing the prospects for communities like Keyser.
Efforts are underway to cultivate a new workforce, with individuals like West Virginia native Josh Bowes, aged 31, participating in the Advanced Technology/Wind Energy Program at Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College in Moorefield.
Bowes, who previously worked in contracting and construction, opted for a career change and now commutes four hours daily from Morgantown. He is nearing completion of the two-year program at the college, where he is acquiring the skills to become a wind turbine technician.
The Impact of Wind Farms on Coal Towns
Dakota Swick and Coleman Mongold are seen attending a class within the turbine technician program, emphasizing the importance of renewable energy education.
Haiyun Jiang for NPR
Dakota Swick and Coleman Mongold attend a class in the turbine technician program.
Isaiah Smith, an instructor in the wind energy technology program, highlights the significant role of money in energy discussions.
Haiyun Jiang for NPR
Isaiah Smith, a professor in the wind energy technology program, emphasizes the financial aspect of energy decisions.
“I want to stay here, and I want to see our state move forward,” Smith states. “We have to modernize. We have to do what’s best for our state, the country, the world, you know?”
Some classmates take a more pragmatic approach, like Dakota Swick, who enrolls in the turbine technician program for stability and a sustainable income.
“I’ve been living paycheck to paycheck… working odd jobs just to make ends meet,” Swick explains. “I’m hopeful that this program will lead to a stable career path.”
Isaiah Smith, their teacher, shares a similar practical outlook on energy and career choices.
Wind turbines provide a scenic backdrop to Keyser, showcasing the integration of renewable energy into local landscapes.
Haiyun Jiang for NPR
Wind turbines create a picturesque view in Keyser.
“My feelings don’t hold much weight. What matters is the price,” Smith asserts. “If cleaner energy can be provided at a lower cost, why opt for more expensive coal?”
Smith simplifies the transition to renewables, stating that ultimately, financial considerations outweigh sentimental attachments.
“We’ve moved beyond emotions. It’s all about money, which essentially governs our world.”
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