West Virginia searches for alternatives as coal mines close

Coal provided a comfortable living for generations of the King family and others like them in West Virginia. Mine closures in recent years have changed the state’s economic landscape, forcing workers and legislators to reevaluate its environmental resources and look for new sources of income.

Produced by Alexia Adkins, Kendra Amick, Anthony Collins, Edward Dobson, Jesse Dotson, Jennever Frame, Kelsey Griffin, Gracie Hellwege, Nekisha Hess, Payton Kiszka, Danielle Skaggs and Mary Stasny, students at Richwood High School in Richwood, West Virginia. Instruction provided by SRL Connected Educator Susan Johnson. Mentor support provided by Chuck Frostick of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.