There's a popular saying in Craig, Colorado: "Coal keeps the lights on."

But in 2020, the electrical utility Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association announced that it would close its coal-fired power plant and coal mines in Craig by 2030. The news was like an earthquake. Hundreds of jobs would be lost. The town now faces the prospect of massive economic disruption as its primary industry disappears.

In our first episode, we travel to Craig and hear from the CEO at the center of that decision, a coal worker bracing for change, and one local business owner who's already looking for ways to reinvent the town's identity. What will Craig do now?

To explore more from this episode, visit https://coalatsunset.org/episodes/episode-1-the-decision/

Host: Kristan Uhlenbrock

Guests: 
• Duane Highley, CEO, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association
• Jennifer Holloway, Executive Director, Craig Chamber of Commerce
• Kirstie McPherson, owner, 518 Wine Bar & The Find
• Graham Roberts, environmental supervisor, Trapper Mining Inc.

Coal at Sunset: A Colorado Town in Transition was created by the Institute for Science & Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and was produced in partnership with House of Pod.

To hear bonus clips and find additional resources, visit https://coalatsunset.org/