In brief
With the closing of the Craig coal mines, the Cooper family is transitioning from traditional energy sources to installing geothermal heat pumps, embracing a sustainable future and adapting to changes in the energy market. As they learn to use new machinery, the family's move marks a significant shift for the community built on coal.
In Craig, Colorado, a community long reliant on coal is now facing an energy transition. The Cooper family, known for their coal mining heritage, is embracing a new venture by learning to install geothermal heat pumps. This essential shift showcases their adaptability in a changing energy landscape, as one of the area’s coal mines closes amid a broader statewide push toward cleaner energy sources. Matt Cooper, the patriarch, emphasizes the need for economic diversity as they put their skills to the test with new technology. The transition to geothermal reflects a growing trend across many U.S. states steering away from coal due to environmental impacts and cost concerns. As they drill into the Earth's heat, the Cooper family's story represents hope and resilience in a time of uncertainty for their community.
