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I'm a coal state (Kentucky), so I'm not at all surprised by the statistic. I have very mixed feelings about coal energy. My ex-boyfriend is from a coal community--this grandfather died in the mines, his father then had to go work in the mines at 14, and is an old man long before his time thanks to lungs full of coal dust. His cousin still works in the mine. I'll never forget the first time I saw him come home from work, black-faced in coveralls. It's a hard life, but for many, it's the only viable option. Although I know we must move towards more renewable, environmentally-friendly energy, I worry about the people of the Eastern Kentucky coalfields. I hope they are remembered during the transition.
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"With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
-Desiderata
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