LUNCH WITH BOOKS: The Coal Trap: How West Virginia Was Left Behind in the Clean Energy Revolution - Jamie Van Nostrand

December 13, 2022
12:00pm - 1:00pm

In addition to being in-person in the Library auditorium, this program will be available to watch live on Facebook Live, on YouTube, and on the OCPL website's LWB Livestream page.  Log into your Facebook or YouTube account during the program to leave questions for our presenters in the comments box. They will answer them during the live broadcast. 

Between 2009 and 2019, West Virginian politicians aligned themselves with the interests of the coal industry to the substantial detriment of the citizens and economy of the state. Despite the undeniable low-carbon transformation that was occurring in the energy industry in the US during this period, state political leaders doubled down on coal. Rather than provide the leadership necessary to manage the transition of the state's economic drivers away from fossil fuels, they largely blamed the demise of the coal industry on the federal government. At every turn, the interests of the coal industry were placed above the economic and environmental health of West Virginians. James Van Nostrand tells the story of why West Virginia now faces overwhelming obstacles to competing in the economic marketplace of the twenty-first century. The book serves as a warning of how a fair energy transition can be derailed by political failure.

PRESENTER BIO: James M. Van Nostrand is the Charles M. Love, Jr. Endowed Professor of Law at West Virginia University College of Law and Director of its Center for Energy and Sustainable Development. He has forty years' experience in a variety of roles in the energy industry, including positions as a regulator, energy lawyer, and director of a New York-based environmental nongovernmental organization.

FEATURED BOOK: Coming soon

Lunch With Books Livestream starts at noon on Facebook and YouTube.

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"Lunch With Books" is the library’s flagship program for adult patrons. These lunchtime programs feature authors, poets, musicians, historians, and more every Tuesday at noon. Bring lunch (to the Library Auditorium or your computer), feed your brain!