Why are there social and political problems associated with fossil fuels?

The US has one of the richest beds of fossil fuels, namely bituminous coal. The geological region called The Pittsburgh Coal Seam extends through many States, including PA, WVA, OH, IN, ILL, and KY. Bituminous coal is a cheap fuel that burns hot. It was used exclusively in home / business heating (coal furnaces), and coal or coke (made from coal) fueled Mills and Factories. The US also has a seam of anthracite coal, which burns less hot and is less preferred over bituminous coal.

However, burning coal is dirty. It produces air pollution that contains numerous chemicals. The coal dust from burning the coal can exist in homes/buildings for a century or longer. Coal dust leads to or aggravates many lung diseases. It is a risk to public health, as well as the health of the planet. Social-health concerns often conflict with political concerns, especially in States and Districts that have a high percent of coal miners. Workers risk losing their jobs if society turns away from coal as fuel.