The Daily A Wind Farm in Coal Country
Mar 16, 2021
Dionne Searcey, a seasoned domestic correspondent for The New York Times, joins Terry Wycombe, the pragmatic Mayor of Rawlins, Wyoming. They delve into the surprising acceptance of wind energy in a state long identified with coal. Topics include the local pride in fossil fuels, emerging opportunities for renewable energy, and the clash between new wind farms and community values. They discuss the emotional ties residents have to their landscapes and the implications of transitioning away from a coal-based economy while highlighting local governance's role in this transformative moment.
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Wyoming's Wind Power Paradox
- Dionne Searcey traveled to Rawlins, Wyoming, to investigate why a large wind farm was being built in a traditionally coal-reliant state.
- Rawlins, located in Carbon County, is known for its coal reserves and the significance of the industry to its residents' identities.
Terry Wycombe: A Local's Perspective
- Terry Wycombe, the mayor of Rawlins, embodies the town's spirit and its dependence on fossil fuel industries.
- Although not a coal miner himself, Wycombe profited from the industry through his sign-making business, serving coal miners as clients.
Identity and Ideology in Coal Country
- The decline of the coal industry significantly impacted Rawlins' economy and residents.
- Despite acknowledging climate change, Wycombe remained a supporter of fossil fuels due to his strong ties to the community and skepticism towards climate change narratives.