Coal Will Continue to Drive West Virginia’s Economy

By: Chris Hamilton President & CEO West Virginia Coal Association

Throughout our states 160-year history, the coal industry has been a major driver behind West Virginia’s economy and billions of dollars of new investment will ensure that similar benefits are generated for the next 160 years.

Despite all the hype you hear about a zero-carbon economy and transitioning to renewable, or intermittent energy forms, West Virginia’s metallurgical and thermal coals will continue to drive our economy while remaining a stable component of our state and nation’s energy mix.

WV Coal Association Statement on Sen. Capito, Cong. Miller POPP Act Legislation

Charleston, W.Va. – Chris Hamilton, President and CEO of the West Virginia Coal Association offered the following statement regarding the Protect Our Power Plants (POPP) Act recently introduced by Senator Shelley Moore Capito and Congresswoman Carol Miller in the U.S. Senate and House, respectively:

WV Coal Association Statement on EPA’s Proposed Rule to Limit Carbon Emissions from Power Plants

Charleston, W.Va. – Chris Hamilton, President and CEO of the West Virginia Coal Association offered the following statement regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement today of a proposed new rule to limit carbon emissions from coal and gas-fired power plants:

State Mining Companies, Operations Recognized for Excellence in Safety and Reclamation

CHARLESTON, W.Va. ─ During West Virginia Mining Symposium, which took place April 18-19 in Charleston, the West Virginia Coal Association recognized and celebrated “Exemplary Mine Safety & Environmental Excellence” achievements of mining industry operations across the state.

“West Virginia’s coal industry continues to show its resilience and commitment to excellence across the board,” West Virginia Coal Association President Chris Hamilton said. “It’s always a proud day for us when we can recognize those who excel in safety and reclamation, showing that the best and brightest in the industry are right here in West Virginia.

West Virginia Coal Hall of Fame​​​​​​​ Inducts 25th Class of Honorees

Charleston, W.Va. - - The West Virginia Coal Hall of Fame, a joint initiative between the West Virginia Coal Mining Institute and the West Virginia Coal Association and housed at the WVU Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources in Morgantown, inducted its newest class of honorees at a ceremony April 18th at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Charleston.

This year’s honorees include H. Douglas Dahl, Retired CEO/President, Peabody Coal; Eddie Asbury, President, Southern Minerals, Inc.; Paul Lang, President/CEO, Arch Resources, Inc.; Stanley Suboleski, Senior VP of Massey, LC; and Thomas M. Wynne, Senior VP/COO, Alliance Resources