In this morning's Energy Journal published by the Casper Star Tribune, the following figures were reported, reflecting the nationwide decline in energy employment:
- The coal sector lost 1,600 position in the month of May – approximately 12,500 coal mining jobs have been lost in the last 12 months
- The oil and gas sector lost 1,700 positions in the month of May – 19,300 oil and gas jobs have been lost in the last 12 months
The good news is that Wyoming is being solution-oriented and tackling the problem from different perspectives.
The newest front being addressed – education.
The University of Wyoming College of Engineering and Applied Science recently created a new scholarship fund for displaced coal workers.
The scholarship will reportedly be available to former coal industry employees to pursue an engineering degree at UW, or an engineering-related degree at one of Wyoming's community colleges. It also will be available to children of the displaced workers – restricted to those who plan to attend UW and seek an engineering degree only.
In addition to making these scholarship funds available, Wyoming has taken other actions. We previously discussed that Governor Matt Mead unveiled a state energy strategy to "double down" on coal, including a "carbon innovation" to further develop clean-coal technologies and calling for a push to develop of the state's renewable resources. The full post "An Eye Toward the Future: New Wyoming Energy Strategy Announced" can be found here.
Budget cuts and an overall tightening of the belt have also reportedly been implemented.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
