Suffering coal communities may find some relief on the way. Moffat and Rio Blanco Counties would be among 90 counties nationwide that would benefit from U.S. Congress Senate Bill 1743, if passed. Sponsored by Colorado Senator Michael Bennet, the bill would amend the IRS code of 1986 to create tax incentives for coal community zones, to provide education and training opportunities for individuals living and working in coal communities, as well as other incentives. Former Moffat County Commissioner John Kinkaid was involved with Bennet’s office while the bill was being worked on and says it is one key prong in the approach to saving dying coal communities. “It’s my hope that this bill will be passed and signed into law,” shares Kinkaid. Coal Community Zones would be eligible for benefits like a $3,000 dollar hiring credit for employers that hire those who live and work in the zones. Kinkaid says it’s also time to take the training wheels off of wind and solar to create a level playing field. S.B. 1743 was read twice in the Senate on August 3rd and was then referred to the Committee on Finance.
