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.

‘The Coal Trap is a sober and utterly damning indictment of what a decade of coal dependence and political corruption has cost West Virginians. Van Nostrand knows the law, he knows the politics, and he knows where all the bodies are buried. A must-read for anyone who cares about the future of West Virginia - or the future of the planet.’

Jeff Goodell Source: Rolling Stone Magazine

‘James Van Nostrand brings stellar expertise and deep experience of West Virginia to a subject that could not be more timely or relevant. Everyone who cares about the trajectory of U.S. climate policy should own and read this book.’

Abigail Dillen - President, Earthjustice

‘James Van Nostrand has given us a fascinating new account of how, even as it shrinks, West Virginia’s coal industry continues to manipulate our system of utility regulation to its benefit, in ways that hold the state and its transition to a more modern economy back. The Coal Trap is a must-read book for West Virginians and for anyone who cares about the future or our state and our world.’

Ken Ward Jr. - Co-Founder, Mountain State Spotlight

‘With facts and rich understanding, Professor Van Nostrand leads the reader insightfully through perhaps the most important decade in West Virginia’s energy history. The Coal Trap’s compelling analysis brings the politics, the policy, and the people of the Mountain State’s energy debate to life in a fascinating read.’

Alexandra Dapolito Dunn - Partner, Baker Botts

‘This book is essential reading for understanding US climate and clean energy progress, the outsized role West Virginia plays, and prospects for a brighter future for the Mountain State and the globe. Van Nostrand’s fresh insights and deep expertise combine to create a fascinating read that will captivate experts and newcomers alike, in West Virginia and far beyond.’

Mary Anne Hitt - Senior Director, Climate Imperative

‘The Coal Trap is a sober and utterly damning indictment of what a decade of coal dependence and political corruption has cost West Virginians. Van Nostrand knows the law, he knows the politics, and he knows where all the bodies are buried. A must-read for anyone who cares about the future of West Virginia - or the future of the planet.’

Jeff Goodell Source: Rolling Stone Magazine

‘James Van Nostrand brings stellar expertise and deep experience of West Virginia to a subject that could not be more timely or relevant. Everyone who cares about the trajectory of US climate policy should own and read this book.’

Abigail Dillen - President, Earthjustice

‘A lot of people obsess over West Virginia’s coal industry - its economic impact, its political power, its often painful history, and the continuing impact on workers and the environment. But James Van Nostrand has given us a fascinating new account of how, even as it shrinks, that industry continues to manipulate our system of utility regulation to its benefit, in ways that hold back the state and its transition to a more modern economy. The Coal Trap is a must-read book for West Virginians, and for anyone who cares about the future of our state and our world.’

Ken Ward Jr - Co-founder, Mountain State Spotlight

‘With facts and rich understanding, Professor Van Nostrand leads the reader insightfully through perhaps the most important decade in West Virginia’s energy history. The Coal Trap’s compelling analysis brings the politics, the policy, and the people of the Mountain State’s energy debate to life in a fascinating read. The book offers convincing and detailed evidence that it is not too late for West Virginia to play a meaningful role in our nation’s - and the world’s - energy future.’

Alexandra Dapolito Dunn - Partner, Baker Botts

‘This book is essential reading for understanding US climate and clean energy progress, the outsized role West Virginia plays, and prospects for a brighter future for the Mountain State and the globe. Van Nostrand’s fresh insights and deep expertise combine to create a fascinating read that will captivate experts and newcomers alike, in West Virginia and far beyond.’

Mary Anne Hitt - Senior Director, Climate Imperative