WVU in the News: U.S. coal industry takes a hit during coronavirus pandemic
The U.S. coal industry is shaping up to be another emerging casualty of the coronavirus pandemic, as lockdown restrictions have severely reduced demand in an already tough business climate.
The Associated Press (AP) writes that demand for coal has steadily dropped over the past decade, outpaced by cheaper alternatives like natural gas and renewable energy sources that are more environmentally friendly.
Upon the onset of the coronavirus-related shutdowns across the U.S., demand has dropped for lights and electricity that power large institutions like schools and businesses.
In West Virginia, however, mines are operating normally as essential businesses, despite government officials, union advocates and public health experts asserting that mines are liable to be a quick breeding ground for coronavirus infections.
“The big thing to worry about is that because of the dust exposure could develop black lung, which puts them at an increased risk for severity of the disease. They’re already lung compromised. It’s not going to be good, because this is a respiratory virus,” Michael McCawley, a clinical associate professor at the WVU School of Public Health, told the Times West Virginian.
Photo: The Hill