BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Local state lawmakers gathered Wednesday afternoon at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine to outline plans for the upcoming legislative session aimed at reviving West Virginia’s coal industry, particularly in the southern region of the state.
The joint press conference, held with the West Virginia Coal Association and state and local officials, highlighted legislative efforts they say will reverse what they described as steep industry declines under the Biden administration.
Speakers credited President Donald Trump’s return to office with renewed momentum for coal, which has included executive branch actions including an executive order focused on “reinvigorating” America’s coal industry and reopening federal land for coal leasing.
A major policy proposal discussed at the event came from Sen. Brian Helton (R-Fayette), who plans to introduce legislation requiring coal-fired power plants in the state to operate at a minimum of 69% capacity — the level currently recommended by the West Virginia Public Service Commission.
Helton said the measure would support coal jobs and help lower electricity rates.
“There’s no reason that we can’t get men and women here in Southern West Virginia back to work. And I think we’ve got some really good plans to do that because we know for every one coal job, it’s three and a half other positions it creates. This economic impact in our area can be profound,” Helton said.
“And we don’t go to other parts of the world where they are energy places like in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia… we don’t see them going out of their way to try to use other forms of energy. They buy from themselves. And so we need to start buying from ourselves here in West Virginia, and I think we can turn our state around… here in Southern West Virginia, we’ve been stepped on too long, and we’re gonna put a stop to that.”
“When we look at our energy here in West Virginia, people seem to forget that 85% of our electricity generation is still coal, okay? 7% natural gas, and then a little bit of renewables and solar, but that is what we need rid of. We don’t need more of that in West Virginia. We need our coal-fired plants back in operation.”
Helton said electricity bills have risen as coal use has declined.
“We’re down to 84% now… but magically enough, despite what they tell you, as we see coal usage drop, we see utility bills go up. And so since that time, we’ve had a 40% increase in our utility bills… our men and women who work at the coal mine are sitting at home.”
“If we would go from where we’re at right now… high-30s utilization up to the 69% that the Public Service Commission recommends, that’s about an additional 10 million tons of coal that would be used in these coal-fired plants.”
Helton said he will introduce legislation to prevent utility companies from requesting future rate increases unless plants are operated at that 69% level.
“We’re going to have legislation this year that’s going to say to AEP, you cannot ask for any more rate increases… we’re not paying more unless you run these coal-fired plants at 69%. …We’re working on the draft now… and we’ll try to drive this thing home until we can get our coal industry back to work.”
The West Virginia Coal Association said it supports these efforts.
Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association (WVCA), praised Trump’s early action on coal policy and said the industry is working with federal and state leaders to undo regulations implemented under the previous administration.
“We have really been… the coal industry through trying times, and the Republican Party has stood with us through thick and thin, and Lord knows… that’s pretty well gone thin under the last federal administration and President Biden, who was pushing all the throttles to transition away from all fossil energies,” Hamilton said.
“I can’t begin to tell you the pace we’ve been on this year with President Trump in the White House. I mean, it’s been an unbelievable pace… we’re so appreciative of everything he’s done.”
Hamilton emphasized ongoing work to reverse policies he said were “intentionally” designed to shut down coal-fired electricity, and highlighted the importance of metallurgical coal to southern West Virginia’s economy.
“Raleigh County and your neighbor, Wyoming County, are two of the top five coal-producing counties still in the state of West Virginia… we do have the world’s best quality miners right here in West Virginia… they are God-loving, and in most cases, they’re gun-bearing, and they’re just great Americans.”
He said the WVCA sees potential for new opportunities if federal and state initiatives continue in the current direction. One long-term goal, he said, is securing a coke production facility in southern West Virginia.
Sen. Rollan Roberts (R-Raleigh) said thousands of families rely on the coal industry and praised local progress in economic development.
“Southern West Virginia carried the state for so many years with coal… we struggled, and we still struggle… but we are turning the tide on that, and this is an indication today that we could make a big difference.”
“Raleigh County… last month was the third most productive county in the state of West Virginia for new business starts… Raleigh County… has finally elevated itself in the economic development arena, and we are taking off,” Roberts said.
Del. Eric Brooks (R-Raleigh) described the shift in coal policy since 2020 as dramatic.
“It was kind of a dismal outlook on the coal industry. And what a change an election makes… now we’re in light speed it seems like at the federal level… very encouraging to see,” Brooks said.
“I love this industry, and I’m gonna do everything I can to help you all. God bless you all… and may God bless our state.”
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, West Virginia is the second highest coal producer in the country.
