Due to President Obama’s less than favorable stance on the coal industry, many are quick to point the finger at him when attempting to distinguish who is most at fault for the industry’s decline. However, no matter how adverse Obama’s actions, the declining economy in Appalachia’s coal country is the work of many.
Jobs have steadily been waning for the last three decades. Only under George W. Bush was there any sort of increase. One of the current players in aiding the decline of the industry is the addition of machines. They have enabled production to remain steady whilst relying on less manpower. A more recent factor is the rising popularity of natural gas, which is not only more abundant but is also less expensive.
Despite Obama’s lack of support for the coal industry, he is not the sole person to carry the blame for it’s current condition.