West Virginia’s coal industry is waning according to decreased production reports since its peak in 2008. Forbes reports that since then, the natural gas industry has increased substantially.

As coal companies announced layoffs in the southern part of the state, landowners in the northern part of the state were offered $100 million for drilling rights. The wet and dry gasses found in the Marcellus Shale are used for manufacturing products and for electricity, respectively. Natural gas development has sparked economic growth and could do the same for West Virginia in wake of the coal industry’s problems.

In New York and Colorado, drilling bans have been enforced in order to protect the environment as well as residents’ health. Coal production and use have affected West Virginia’s environment, so like other states with shale drilling, gas producers will have to be environmentally cautious during Marcellus Shale development.

Via: Forbes > Natural Gas Boom Is Drowning Out Coal Industry’s Battle Cries