By Whitney Bonham

Not a day goes by, it seems, without the coal industry making headlines, especially throughout Appalachia. Coal’s supporters are furious at politicians and regulators who seem to be digging coal’s grave. Watching changes to a traditional industry is tough. Even a slight decline in an important employer creates hardships to families. What’s more, coal is part of the cultural identity of Southwest Virginia.

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Bonham is an economic development specialist at Virginia Tech.