Dozens of coal plants have closed in Pennsylvania over the last few decades as the Marcellus Shale boom made natural gas cheaper and some coal energy companies decided new environmental regulations are too costly.

Coal plants have shutdown in other places across the country because of the amount of pollution they emit that contributes to climate change.

A coal plant in Centralia, Washington, that at one time produced 10% of all the energy in the state of Washington will close for good next year. The Centralia plant was the county’s largest employer and largest taxpayer. However, plans for closing the facility and what comes next for Centralia is seen as a model for other transitions to other forms of energy production.

StateImpact PA reporter Rachel McDevitt and WITF’s Digital Producer Jeremy Long traveled to Centralia, Washington last month and came back with how what has worked so far.

Read Rachel McDevitt's reporting on Centralia, Washington's transition away from coal and see Jeremy Long's photographs.

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