It's time for states that grew rich from oil, gas and coal to figure out what's next
These are very challenging times for U.S. fossil fuel-producing states, such as Wyoming, Alaska and North Dakota. The has reduced energy demand, with uncertain prospects for the extent of its recovery. Meanwhile, and the declining cost of renewable energy are precipitating a .
As a result, fossil fuel-dependent states and communities face the prospect of budget shortfalls and lower employment for the next several years. As researchers who study energy from , and perspectives, we believe that it is time for these states to develop long-term plans to diversify their economies and help ensure just and equitable transitions.
The idea of a just transition emerged from North American labor law, and has about making societies more environmentally sustainable. It centers on protecting workers' rights and livelihoods as they move out of declining industries.
In our view, just transition programs likely are the best way for these states to build more sustainable and diverse economic bases, reducing their reliance on fossil fuel production as a revenue source. To support secure, family-sustaining jobs as global fossil reliance declines, they will need to create new, lower-carbon economies.
Since March, oil companies have shut in 7,500 wells across North Dakota and all but ceased new drilling. The crash is rippling across once-boom towns where residents can no longer depend on industry jobs, government services or health insurance.
— E&E News (@EENewsUpdates)
From boom to bust
Fossil fuels enrich producing states through multiple revenue streams. They include taxes and royalties tied to the value of production; sales taxes on hydrocarbons; use taxes on equipment; and income taxes on industry employees' wages.
Texas , generating US$16.3 billion in fiscal year 2019, which was 7% of the state's revenue. The states that are most reliant on energy are , where it accounted for 70% of state revenues ($1.1 billion) in fiscal 2019; , where energy and other minerals yielded 52% of state revenues ($2.2 billion) in FY2017; and , which reaped 45% of its revenues ($1.6 billion) from energy production in fiscal 2017.
Production declines and workforce reductions can have major economic impacts in fossil fuel states. For example, Wyoming is forecasting that it will have than it previously expected in fiscal years 2021-22. Alaska is projecting an estimated in fiscal 2021.
Even assuming that oil and gas production recovers from FY2020-2021 lows, these states expect to be for the next several years.
Cultural and political roadblocks
Wyoming illustrates the challenges that a changing energy landscape posse for energy states. In the near term, the state is forecasting a owed it in fiscal 2021-22 compared to the previous year. According to data that we obtained from the U.S. Department of Energy, estimated coal production in April-June of 2020 was down nearly 45% from the prior five-year average, reflecting national trends.
More structurally, experts and coal producers have acknowledged that thermal coal—the type used to make electricity—is in . State officials have sounded the alarm about ," while seeking ways to keep coal production afloat.
These efforts include , investing in making coal-fired energy cleaner and finding low-carbon uses for coal as a source of products, which can range from .
Meanwhile, studies show that Wyoming residents receive from the state , thanks largely to fossil fuel-related taxes. These trends clearly can't continue in parallel: As coal revenues fall, state spending will have to contract.
But as the state considers its future, cultural and political factors influence public views as much as economics. Wyoming's longstanding ethos of makes residents reluctant to accept outside economic assistance. Its coal industry workers in their role in providing a source of electricity throughout the United States.
When the utility PacifiCorp recently announced plans to in the West, including several in Wyoming, and invest in lower-cost wind, solar and energy storage, some workers and legislators argued that the company was . Ongoing wind energy investments are poised to . But some Wyoming residents argue that wind projectscould , the state's second-largest industry.
What just transitions require to succeed
Just transition programs typically focus on promoting economic development, attracting investment to stimulate entrepreneurship and retraining workers. They often provide income support to bridge the period between jobs.
State and local leaders may seek to promote specific industries that reflect larger policy goals—for example, wooing solar companies to promote decarbonization. A number of current economic development policy proposals take this approach, including Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's . However, we believe new businesses are best developed at the community level so that they incorporate local intellectual capital, worker skills and natural resources, and get more political buy-in from the communities.
There are several examples of successful just transition programs. One is , which highlights the benefits of "local contextualization" and has helped workers transition from manufacturing to health care, information technology and other trades.
The province of Alberta, Canada, achieved considerable buy-in from labor unions and electricity companies as it accelerated its retirement of coal power, in part by leveraging its natural gas resources and . And the , promoted by the nonprofit organization Appalachian Voices, is amplifying residents' ideas for new economic initiatives to offset job losses and shrinking coal tax revenues. This kind of participatory approach to economic diversification is critical for securing community support and generating novel ideas for economic development.
These programs are likely to require significant financial investment. Wyoming, North Dakota and Oklahoma , so they could borrow large sums to pay for these programs.
Alaska, Texas, New Mexico, Wyoming and North Dakota also have – state-owned accounts, funded with revenues from natural resource extraction. These funds could help fill the gap, but only if politicians can withstand pressure to use the money in more popular ways, such as Alaska's annual payouts to state residents from oil revenues.
Next week, the Alaskan government is expected to give each of its citizens a check—typically for around $2,000. The "dividend" is one of the benefits of living in the state that houses America's biggest sovereign wealth fund, the Alaska Permanent Fund.
— Quartz (@qz)
A chance for more sustainable communities
Fossil fuel states' windfalls from energy development and their free-market cultures can make it hard for residents to accept their . Solutions that involve increased taxing and spending are likely to face stiff political headwinds, even if sovereign wealth funds offer help.
The choices that states make as they navigate a rapidly changing energy landscape will have major implications for their workers and communities. Just transitions will require significant, focused investment, committed institutions and deep community engagement. While these processes aren't likely to be easy, they offer the chance to build sustainable and environmentally friendly economies that can help these states thrive in the future.
Provided by The Conversation
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