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A Response to Julie McNamara and the Union of Concerned Scientists
By Chris Hamilton | President, West Virginia Coal Association
Julie McNamara of the Union of Concerned Scientists published a column this week arguing that coal-fired power is expensive and unreliable, and that the Trump administration is doing ratepayers a disservice by supporting it. The argument is wrong on both counts. It was wrong before the Department of Energy announced $850 million in new coal investment on June 4th — including two brand-new coal-fired power plants, one in West Virginia and one in Alaska, the first new American coal plants since 2013. It is wrong now. And it will remain wrong for as long as the American economy keeps moving in the direction it is moving: more energy-intensive, more technology-dependent, and far more unforgiving of the kind of intermittent, weather-dependent power that McNamara would have us bet our future on.
Two claims. Two chances to get it right. McNamara missed both.
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Charleston, W.Va. — America’s Coal Associations joined together to applaud President Donald J. Trump’s announcement of approximately $700 million in federal investment to strengthen America’s coal fleet, open up export opportunities for western producers and jump start the next generation of coal fired power facilities in West Virginia and Alaska.
The initiative, led by the U.S. National Energy Dominance Council and U.S. Department of Energy includes $185 million in grant funding to support new coal generation projects in West Virginia and Alaska. The plan also directs $425 million to upgrade 13 existing coal-fired power plants nationwide which in turn supports 42 coal mining operations in multiple states and $75 million to enhance coal export infrastructure in Oakland, California.
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The West Virginia Coal Association today applauded President Donald J. Trump’s announcement of approximately $700 million in federal investment to strengthen America’s coal fleet, including funding for a new coal-fired power plant in West Virginia.
The initiative, led by the U.S. Department of Energy and supported through the Defense Production Act, includes $185 million in grant funding to support new coal generation projects, with West Virginia selected as a key site for new development. The plan also directs $425 million to upgrade 13 existing coal-fired power plants nationwide and $75 million to enhance coal export infrastructure.
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There are moments when events strip away the luxury of theory and force a return to first principles. This is one of those moments. Recently, President Donald Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to strengthen America’s coal supply chains and reinforce the backbone of reliable, affordable electric generation. The order authorizes federal support for mining, transportation, export and domestic terminals, generating unit availability, and long-term fuel security. It is a direct acknowledgment that coal remains indispensable to the stability of the American power system and to the broader national interest.
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The West Virginia Coal Association today announced its endorsement of 17 candidates for State Senate, touting their strong record and clear commitment to protecting coal jobs and advancing an America First energy policy.
“This May 12th, West Virginians have a clear choice,” said Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association. “These 17 candidates for State Senate understand that our state’s economy and our communities depend on a strong coal industry and reliable American energy.”
The endorsed list of candidates include:
- Laura Chapman for State Senate in District 1
- Toby Heaney for State Senate in District 2
- Mike Azinger for State Senate in District 3
- Trenton Barnhart for State Senate in District 3
- Mark Maynard for State Senate in District 6
- Zack Maynard for State Senate in District 7
- Kevan Bartlett for State Senate in District 8
- Rollan Roberts for State Senate in District 9
- Jonathan Comer for State Senate in District 10
- Robert Karnes for State Senate in District 11
- Ben Queen for State Senate in District 12
- John Williams for State Senate in District 13
- Jay Taylor for State Senate in District 14
- Darren Thorne for State Senate in District 15
- Jason Barrett for State Senate in District 16
- Anne Charnock for State Senate in District 17
- Chris Pritt for State Senate in District 17
Hamilton said these candidates have been vocal advocates for coal and consistent opponents of federal policies that threaten West Virginia’s energy sector. They will fight Biden-era regulatory overreach and ensure that coal remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy.
“We need leaders who will stand firm for American energy independence,” Hamilton added. “These candidates will be that type of leader in the State Senate.”
The West Virginia Coal Association encourages voters to support candidates who will protect the state’s energy economy and preserve its way of life.
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