The Energy Information Administration has positive news for communities built on the coal industry. According to a recent report, production is predicted to increase this year by 3 percent as a result of an ever increasing demand for electricity from coal fired power plants. The Energy Information Administration also estimates growth in 2018, though only by 1 percent. The report is great news after coal hit a 20-plus year low last year. 2016 was not a good year for coal mining across the nation and western states were hit hard. A report out of Wyoming showed that the coal industry in the region was below 300 million tons of coal, a 20 year record low. In 2016, Wyoming’s Powder River Basin produced 285.2 million tons. That area is considered the nation’s most productive coal mining area and it’s new low is telling of the industry’s condition. Regardless, predicted growth in 2017 is welcome news to communities still hoping to see a turnaround.
