First, let's identify the main conclusion: "We can expect the number of jobs in the region to decrease overall if it is permitted."
Direct support means that the premise by itself supports the conclusion.
"Many local businesses depend on our region's natural beauty" is the statement in question. Does this statement by itself act as direct support for the conclusion? No, because we should not assume that coal mining will ruin the natural beauty. We need the next part of this sentence to draw this conclusion.