Coal-producing Emery County is one of the only regions in Utah to have seen a drop in population in the last decade. Those that remain have lost good paying jobs as the state transitions away from coal.
A new research facility wants to bring back revenue and jobs by experimenting with a number of new technologies.
KZMU Radio in Moab looks at one of those projects, a type of nuclear reactor some think could be the future of power.
Michael Stoddard, BYU
This story is part of a collaboration between stations of the Rocky Mountain Community Radio coalition. Reports will highlight the transition from fossil fuels across the Mountain West. Listen in the coming months for more stories from our partner stations, including KSUT.