Colorado Politics

Colorado coal production plummets in 2016

Coal production in Colorado fell by nearly 40 percent in 2016, dropping to a low the state hasn’t experienced since the 1970s.

The Daily Sentinel reports that the U.S. Energy Information Administration released data Thursday showing the state’s 2016 production was 11.4 million tons, down from 18.9 million tons in 2015, or a 39.5 percent decline.

Across the country, production was similarly down, falling 17.6 percent to 739 million tons.

The federal data is an estimate. Year-end production numbers calculated by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety are not yet available.

The dip in production comes in part due to tumultuous conditions at Colorado’s coal mines. The owners of the state’s two highest-producing mines both dealt with bankruptcies in 2016 and Peabody Energy’s Bowie No. 2 Mine was idled early in the year due to poor market conditions.


PREV

PREVIOUS

Former GOP lawmaker Victor Mitchell weighing run for governor

A Douglas County entrepreneur and former state lawmaker could be adding his name to the lengthy list of possible Republican candidates for governor in 2018, sources tell The Colorado Statesman. Victor Mitchell, who served a term in the Legislature a decade ago, is weighing a run, and Capitol veteran Steve Durham thinks Mitchell can bring […]

NEXT

NEXT UP

Colorado Municipal League survey measures depth of services

The Colorado Municipal League’s latest “State of Our Cities & Towns” report gives you an idea how much is provided locally to make communities more enjoyable. CML’s annual survey of Colorado municipalities measured the percent that offer amenities that make hometowns more “livable.” Nearly all provide parks, while trails and open spaces also are more prevalent […]


Welcome Back.

Streak: 9 days i

Stories you've missed since your last login:

Stories you've saved for later:

Recommended stories based on your interests:

Edit my interests