General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Joe From Scranton Didn't Win Back Working Class [View all]exboyfil
(17,880 posts)Except for the potential for tourism I have a difficult time figuring out what to do with West Virginia for example. It is near the lowest in both wind and solar energy potential. The coal extraction industry right now is the only thing that actually generates more wealth when compared to other areas.
Wyoming has good wind potential, but is it enough to compensate for the loss of the extraction industry? It currently produces 41% of all coal in the US.
Currently freight cars with coal is more portable for the power than transmission lines due to the existing infrastructure.
Hillary Clinton tried to propose alternatives for West Virginia in 2016, and she was soundly rejected for it. Biden didn't even bother going there. The governor is still rejecting Biden's win.
It is not like coal is a long term solution. It is tempting to say to West Virginia and Wyoming to f__k your four Senators and four Representatives.
What can we offer these states? I would like to think that West Virginia could be a great tourism destination if they stop strip mining it and ruining it.