Wyoming is earning less and less money from coal

The taxes paid by coal companies have long been a pillar of the Wyoming economy. But they peaked more than a decade ago, and the decline means there’s less money available for state services like public schools. The recent resurgence in coal prices, caused largely by spiking natural gas prices, has given the state a needed break, but is expected to be temporary. Hover over each marker to see totals. (Note: reported values differ slightly by year)