Let's take a look at a few studies that have come out recently and see if we can find a common thread.

• A West Virginia University researcher found that "coal mining costs Appalachians five times more in early deaths as the industry provides to the region in jobs, taxes and other economic benefits," reports the Charleston Gazette.
  
• The Mountain Association for Community Economic Development found that "the coal industry takes $115 million more from Kentucky's state government annually...