A major driver of the recent surge in electricity demand is the explosion of energy-intensive data centers and artificial intelligence systems. These massive operations are rapidly approaching saturation in our neighboring state of Virginia.
This presents a golden opportunity for West Virginia. Our state generates more electricity than it consumes and has the capacity to accommodate new growth. Large-scale data centers require land, water, and—most importantly—reliable and adequate power. West Virginia has all three.
Yet, instead of taking full advantage of our existing, proven energy infrastructure, state officials are inexplicably entertaining proposals from out-of-state solar, nuclear, and other alternative energy developers looking to build microgrids and new power systems—at enormous costs to West Virginia residents. Meanwhile, our in-state power plants are running below adequate levels.
It’s time for West Virginia to recognize what we already have: the largest, lowest-cost, and most reliable energy facilities in the country—plants that have been unfairly shackled by layers of federal restrictions and zero-carbon policies. Like the lion in The Wizard of Oz finding his courage, or the Tin Man realizing he had a heart, we need to wake up to the reality that our coal plants are sitting idle when they should be powering the future.
We must remove the Biden- and Obama-era regulatory barriers that have hamstrung these plants and run them as they were designed—while ramping up our technologically advanced mining operations to supply the fuel needed to keep them online.
West Virginia’s power stations—Mitchell, Harrison, Amos, Pleasants, Mountaineer, Fort Martin, Longview, Grant Town, and Mt. Storm—have decades of operational life remaining. They, along with their coal suppliers, represent a $14 billion annual economic engine, providing tens of thousands of high-paying jobs to skilled West Virginians.
These fully paid-for facilities have been struggling under relentless federal EPA pressure and ESG mandates that limit their ability to operate at full capacity. As a result, their own potential remains unrealized.
West Virginia has the second-lowest energy prices east of the Mississippi, with 89% of its electricity generated from coal. That’s no coincidence. Across the nation, there is a strong correlation between coal-fired power generation and lower electricity costs for consumers and businesses. The states that have abandoned coal in favor of expensive and unreliable alternatives have seen sharp increases in their energy prices, hitting businesses and working families the hardest.
People often call West Virginia the “Energy State,” but until we fully embrace our coal mines and coal-fired power plants, we will never reach our full potential. We are a leading exporter of coal and coal-based electricity, supplying 40 states and 40 countries. Our baseload power keeps the PJM grid stable and delivers electricity to states with energy deficits.
Now is the time to generate more coal-based power to meet West Virginia’s growing energy needs. When we do, our communities will thrive, jobs will multiply, and utility rates will stay low for our citizens. Greater electricity load benefits everyone.
With political forces now aligned in favor of coal at both the state and federal levels, the moment has arrived to supercharge our power stations and meet today’s rising energy demands.
Let’s stop wasting time. Let’s seize our potential.
Let’s Run the Damn Plants!
