In Utah's coal-dependent Carbon and Emery counties, the concept of 'transition' has evolved from a taboo to an embraced topic of discussion. Years of building trust within the community, as exemplified by deputy director Jade Powell's experience, show a shift in mindset regarding the region's reliance on coal. Despite historical significance, coal production has ceased since 2020, significantly diminishing jobs and tax revenues, prompting local government to raise municipal taxes by 700%. The area's future now focuses on adapting to changes brought by natural gas and renewable energy sources.
The energy transition is a fraught subject in Carbon and Emery counties, where coal has been the economic backbone since the late 1800s.
Powell noted that the moment was only possible thanks to years of trust building in a community deeply reliant on coal.
The county raised the municipal services tax by 700% to compensate for the loss of tax revenue and mineral lease royalties.
Carbon County hasn't produced coal since 2020, highlighting a drastic shift due to technological innovation and the prevalence of natural gas.
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