The chart depicts the top 10 U.S. states with the fastest coal job decline from 2020 to 2025, reflecting the nation’s accelerating shift toward cleaner energy sources. West Virginia experiences the steepest drop, with coal employment plummeting from about 200,000 in 2020 to roughly 100,000 in 2025, driven by mine closures and reduced coal demand. Kentucky follows, losing nearly 40% of its coal workforce, while Pennsylvania also records a significant decline linked to diversification into renewables and gas production. Wyoming and Illinois show moderate yet steady decreases, each shedding around 30,000–40,000 jobs by 2025. States like Indiana, Ohio, and Alabama mirror similar downward patterns as automation and environmental policies reshape the energy landscape. Virginia and Colorado maintain smaller declines but still indicate structural industry contraction. Overall, the trend underscores a decisive national transition away from coal-dependent economies toward sustainable energy employment, leaving traditional mining regions facing major workforce and economic adaptation challenges.
| Labels | West Virginia | Kentucky | Pennsylvania | Wyoming | Illinois | Indiana | Ohio | Alabama | Virginia | Colorado |
| 2020 | 200 | 150 | 140 | 130 | 120 | 110 | 100 | 90 | 85 | 80 |
| 2021 | 180 | 140 | 130 | 120 | 110 | 105 | 95 | 85 | 80 | 75 |
| 2022 | 160 | 130 | 120 | 110 | 100 | 95 | 90 | 80 | 75 | 70 |
| 2023 | 140 | 120 | 110 | 100 | 90 | 90 | 85 | 75 | 70 | 65 |
| 2024 | 120 | 110 | 100 | 90 | 80 | 85 | 80 | 70 | 65 | 60 |
| 2025 | 100 | 100 | 90 | 80 | 70 | 80 | 75 | 65 | 60 | 55 |
