How to Support our Energy Veterans Señor Codo/Creative Commons (Flickr) How to Support our Energy Veterans Jeremy Richardson, senior energy analyst | May 4, 2021, 6:00 am EDT As climate advocates, we support the shift away from coal and toward cleaner forms of energy, pointing out the reasons that we need to accelerate that trend. While the move away from coal helps reduce heat trapping emissions and improves public health, the closure of coal mines and coal-fired power plants often leave economic upheaval in their wake. Just take a look at Adams County, Ohio, which in 2018 faced the closure of two coal-fired power plants, by far the largest employer in the county. Community leaders faced a sharp drop in tax revenue, and individual workers suddenly had to figure out how to provide for their families while staying in the communities they called home. The people harmed by the upheaval are the very men and women—energy veterans—who have done the difficult and dangerous jobs to help keep the lights on.