Energy Transitions and Household Finance: Evidence from U.S. Coal Mining

Abstract

Between 2010 and 2020, the U.S. coal industry experienced a 50% drop in production, employment, and active mines, driven by regulatory factors and technological innovation in alternative energy sources. We study the impact of this energy transition on household employment, wages, migration, and home ownership in affected communities. Compared to non-coal-producing, resource-rich counties, coal-producing counties experience 6% and 4% drops in employment and wages, respectively, during this period. Economic mobility and access to banking services significantly moderate these real effects, suggesting a potential role for finance to shape the industrial and economic changes associated with climate transitions.