Rural Middle America Fights to Get Nation 'Back on Track'
![](https://media.wnyc.org/i/800/0/c/85/1/AP_16139858740507.jpg)
A shovel prepares to dump a load of coal into a 320-ton truck at Black Thunder mine in Wright, Wyo, April 2007. Analysts say it's only a matter of when, where and how many coal mines will close.
( Matthew Brown / Associated Press )
( Matthew Brown / Associated Press )