{"id":2463082,"date":"2025-07-17T16:08:02","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T20:08:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/state-starts-program-for-coal-workers-as-plants-mines-close-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2025-07-17T16:09:29","modified_gmt":"2025-07-17T20:09:29","slug":"state-starts-program-for-coal-workers-as-plants-mines-close-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/state-starts-program-for-coal-workers-as-plants-mines-close-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"State starts program for coal workers as plants, mines close &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">26<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fstate-starts-program-for-coal-workers-as-plants-mines-close-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2463082&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The state of Colorado has launched a new program through its Office of Just Transition (OJT) to support workers affected by the ongoing closures of coal mines and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/h-sterling-burnett-blackouts-occur-when-green-energy-fails\/\" title=\"H. Sterling Burnett: Blackouts Occur When Green Energy Fails\">coal-fueled power plants<\/a>. This initiative offers free, personalized assistance to coal industry workers and their families, helping them explore options such as reskilling, entrepreneurship, retirement planning, or other opportunities. The program aims to aid over 1,700 eligible workers, primarily concentrated in northwest Colorado counties including Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt.<\/p>\n<p>Colorado is gradually phasing out its last six <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/china-pledges-to-increase-pollution-for-another-decade\/\" title=\"China \u2018Pledges\u2019 to Increase Pollution for Another Decade\">coal-fired power plants<\/a>, all scheduled to close by 2031, alongside the seven remaining coal mines. The transition away from coal reflects a long-term decline in its use and a shift toward cleaner energy sources,presenting challenges for workers and communities dependent on the coal industry. Established in 2019, the OJT program underscores the state&#8217;s commitment to ensuring a just transition for affected populations, with support from state officials emphasizing economic resilience and community well-being during this energy shift.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">State starts program for coal workers as plants, mines close<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2176282\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>(The Center Square)&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;With <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/coal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">coal<\/a> mines and coal-fueled power plants continuing to move toward closure in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/colorado\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Colorado,<\/a> the state&rsquo;s Office of Just Transition is launching a program supporting the industry&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/labor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">workers.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The program will provide free, personalized support to workers to help them plan their next steps &mdash; whether that means reskilling, starting a business, planning for retirement or exploring new opportunities.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/3474808\/chicago-st-louis-inflation-reflect-illinois-struggles\/\">Chicago, St. Louis inflation reflect Illinois struggles<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/3474490\/comer-expands-biden-autopen-investigation-more-witness-interviews\/\">Comer expands Biden autopen investigation with more witness interviews<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/crime\/3474588\/judge-lifts-gag-order-bryan-kohberger-idaho-murder-case\/\">Judge lifts gag order in Bryan Kohberger Idaho murder case<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>&ldquo;This is an important moment reflecting Colorado&rsquo;s commitment to its workforce,&rdquo;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cdle.colorado.gov\/press-releases\/press-release-colorado-office-of-just-transition-launches-program-supporting-workers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">said Wade Buchanan<\/a>, director of the OJT. &ldquo;Our goal is to partner with families to navigate this transition in a way that reflects their values, priorities and long-term goals. We want workers to know that OJT is open for business.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>The program will be available to coal mine and power plant workers and their families, as well as those employed by certain supply chain businesses directly impacted by industry changes.<\/p>\n<p>OJT estimates that more than 1,700 coal and supply-chain workers will be eligible for these services statewide.<\/p>\n<p>Of those, 77% will likely be concentrated in three counties in the northwest corner of Colorado: Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt. The other 23% will be mostly in Montrose, Morgan and Pueblo counties.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;The Office of Just Transition provided important resources to communities to help <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/senate-passes-the-largest-infrastructure-package-in-decades-over-a-dozen-republicans-vote-in-favor\/\" title=\"Senate Passes The Largest Infrastructure Package In Decades, Over A Dozen Republicans Vote In Favor\">create good-paying jobs<\/a> and boost local economies,&rdquo;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/content.govdelivery.com\/accounts\/CODLE\/bulletins\/3a54f82\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis<\/a>&nbsp;of the package. &ldquo;Our administration will continue to support communities in Northwest Colorado to help build a better and resilient future.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>This all comes as Colorado is slowly phasing out the last of its coal-fueled electrical power plants, as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecentersquare.com\/colorado\/article_6f3c8d98-e4e9-11ef-ac07-fbf5d0ec8a59.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">previously reported<\/a>&nbsp;by The Center Square.<\/p>\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/viewer?mid=19sSJCRJeTNuD9VpTSe79tq2lIe8MNiyD&amp;ll=39.46929837766536%2C-106.28280986621093&amp;z=8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Colorado Department of Labor and Energy reports<\/a>&nbsp;that six coal-fired power plants remain operational throughout the state. All of them are set to close by the end of 2031. Seven coal mines remain open.<\/p>\n<p>The department reports the transition away from coal is coming.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;For a variety of reasons, the use of coal has been declining for more than a decade. That trend is likely to accelerate,&rdquo;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cdle.colorado.gov\/offices\/the-office-of-just-transition\/coal-in-colorado\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">it said<\/a>. &ldquo;The era of coal in Colorado appears to be ending, and that poses serious challenges to the workers and communities that rely on it.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>The OJT was first opened by the legislature in 2019, as part of the state&rsquo;s commitment to prioritize a &ldquo;just transition&rdquo; for coal workers and communities.<\/p>\n<p>Some advocates remain skeptical of the move away from coal, and even the state acknowledges its role in energy production.<\/p>\n<p>In 2023, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/state\/print.php?sid=CO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U.S. Energy Information Administration<\/a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >reported coal-fired power plants accounted<\/a> for 32% of Colorado&rsquo;s total in-state energy generation.<\/p>\n<p>While down significantly from 68% in 2010, that is still a notable portion of the state&rsquo;s energy generation.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/restoring-america\/fairness-justice\/3469087\/repealing-epa-carbon-rule-improve-electric-grid-reliability\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">REPEALING THE EPA&rsquo;S CARBON RULE WILL IMPROVE ELECTRIC GRID RELIABILITY<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Additionally,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/environment\/emissions\/state\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a 2022 report<\/a>&nbsp;from the U.S. Energy Information Administration found that, between coal, petroleum and natural gas, coal produced the least amount of the state&rsquo;s carbon dioxide emissions.<\/p>\n<p>The report found that almost all of coal&rsquo;s emissions were due to the electric power sector, while petroleum&rsquo;s was from transportation, and natural gas was almost evenly distributed throughout the sectors, including electric power.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_2176282\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"2176282\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Colorado launches support program for coal workers amid closures<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2463083,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/coal-pile-train-montana.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[59349,59350,59351,52762,4086],"class_list":["post-2463082","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-coal-workers","tag-job-program","tag-mine-closures","tag-plant-closures","tag-washington"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/coal-pile-train-montana.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2463082","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2463082"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2463082\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2463086,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2463082\/revisions\/2463086"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2463083"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2463082"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2463082"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2463082"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}