A Bright Economic Future for the Mountain State

The report details a multi-stakeholder forum focused on transitioning West Virginia from a coal-dependent economy to a diversified one. It identifies key assets such as natural gas, tourism, and a strong workforce, while highlighting the need for state-level leadership and policies like the proposed West Virginia Future Fund. The document emphasizes the role of innovation, STEM education, and energy efficiency in creating sustainable, high-quality jobs.

• The coal industry's role in West Virginia's economy is declining due to low natural gas prices, slow growth in electricity demand, and the increasing cost of mining shrinking reserves in Central Appalachia.
• Economic diversification is viewed as essential for creating a more resilient economy, with potential growth areas identified in agriculture, tourism, and the 'innovation economy'—specifically advanced energy, chemicals, biotechnology, and biometrics.
• Energy efficiency is presented as a 'no regrets option' that can create non-outsourceable local jobs and benefit the energy sector.
• The proposed West Virginia Future Fund would invest a portion of natural gas production taxes to support infrastructure and education for economic diversification after a 20-year period.
• A poll of likely West Virginia voters indicates nearly 70 percent support the creation of a future fund, and a 50 percent majority supports slightly increasing severance taxes on coal to fund such an initiative.
• Natural gas from the Marcellus shale is described as a 'game changer' capable of attracting manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. by lowering energy costs.
• The state's natural beauty and outdoor recreation potential are identified as critical assets for attracting both tourists and new business owners.
• Investment in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, supported by the federal America COMPETES Act, is highlighted as vital for preparing the workforce for high-tech jobs.
• Despite the focus on economic solutions, the state faces significant systemic challenges including prescription drug abuse, poverty, and poor educational outcomes.

APA

Richardson, J. (2013). A Bright Economic Future for the Mountain State. Union of Concerned Scientists. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/A-Bright-Economic-Future-for-the-Mountain-State.pdf

Chicago

Richardson, Jeremy. A Bright Economic Future for the Mountain State. Union of Concerned Scientists, 2013. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/A-Bright-Economic-Future-for-the-Mountain-State.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Richardson |first1=Jeremy |title=A Bright Economic Future for the Mountain State |publisher=Union of Concerned Scientists |date=November 2013 |url=https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/A-Bright-Economic-Future-for-the-Mountain-State.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{richardson2013bright, author = {Richardson, Jeremy}, title = {{A Bright Economic Future for the Mountain State}}, institution = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, year = {2013}, month = nov, url = {https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/A-Bright-Economic-Future-for-the-Mountain-State.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }