A loss in coal jobs doesn't mean a loss everywhere in the energy sector.

When we are looking at Appalachia, their descent into what could almost be described as fifth world or failed world alignment isn't necessarily because of technological advancement but of cultural stagnation.

From the 1880s to the 1920s the rednecks were imprisoned and murdered while the hicks consolidated power.

The jobs are still there nationwide, just mostly in the places that still have educated workforces. A large reason why coal country is hanging onto coal instead of supporting those retraining programs that will allow them entry into the markets that historically red places like Arizona and Montana are getting in on is that the inhabitants of those States didn't murder their intelligent people at the behest of business.