"Job growth in the nation's coal fields has taken a hit amid tough market conditions for U.S. coal and competition from natural gas, according to a review of federal employment statistics."
"Several major coal companies like Arch Coal Inc. and Alpha Natural Resources Inc. have announced output reductions at company mines. And some of those announcements were accompanied by news of layoffs.
The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data is starting to reflect the industry's troubles. There were about 87,000 people employed in coal mining late last year. The number for April is around 85,000 workers."
Manuel Quinones reports for Greenwire May 25, 2012.
SEE ALSO:
"The 'War on Coal' Is a Myth " (Grist/Climate Progress)
"Republican 'War on Coal' Claims Fight Market Reality" (Bloomberg)
"Coal's Future Is Rocky at Best" (Bloomberg)
"The Administration's War On Coal" (Republican National Committee)
"Coal Industry Pays Fake Activists $50 To Wear Pro-Coal Shirts At Public Hearing" (Climate Progress)
"Republicans Look To Bury Obama on Coal Issues" (Politico)
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