"A terrible economy curbed energy demand throughout the Unites States in 2009, slowing coal production in Wyoming for the first time in more than a decade.

After posting a record 467.2 million tons of coal in 2008, statewide production fell about 7 percent to 433.5 million tons in 2009, according to a Casper Star-Tribune estimate. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates Wyoming production slipped even further, to 427.4 million tons -- close to 2006 levels. ...

Wyoming's coal production closely followed the national trend. Total U.S. coal production was down about 7.8 percent, according to EIA figures. Industry officials say much of the downturn is because of the down economy and slack demand for electrical power, particularly in the manufacturing and industrial sector."

Dustin Bleizeffer reports for the Casper Star-Tribune January 10, 2010. [2]