What does clean energy mean for coal towns?

The podcast explores building resilient economies amid the clean energy transition, focusing on communities dependent on fossil fuels. Economist Noah Kaufman discusses the Resilient Energy Economies Initiative, emphasizing the economic distress faced when dominant employers and taxpayers leave regions. He notes that resilient economies require diversified job opportunities, public revenue sources, and proactive planning to weather economic shocks. The conversation highlights the importance of community-driven solutions, as opposed to one-size-fits-all federal policies, and the need to consider geographic and job mismatches when transitioning to clean energy. Kaufman's research indicates that economic performance in fossil fuel communities tracks production trends, with diversified economies weathering production losses more effectively.