Charleston, W.Va. – Chris Hamilton, President and CEO of the West Virginia Coal Association offered the following statement following Monday’s oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in West Virginia v Environmental Protection Agency:  

“This case is about reining in the unchecked power of federal agencies, and specifically the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to limit carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. 

CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Coal Association presented it annual legislative program to state lawmakers, highlighting the mining industry’s vision for coal and coal mining as part of the states’ energy and economic future.

The Association outlined a dozen issues that would help the industry better defend against President Biden and future climate attacks and to incentivize the industry to capitalize on the strong market for coal.

Charleston, W.Va. – Chris Hamilton, president and chief executive officer of the West Virginia Coal Association offers the following statement regarding U.S. Senator Joe Manchin’s position on the Build Back Better Act:

“On behalf of West Virginia’s coal miners and our energy economy, I applaud U.S. Senator Joe Manchin for his decision to vote no on the Build Back Better Act should it come before the Senate in 2022.

In the face of incredible pressure, Senator Manchin remained true to his West Virginia values and the bedrock common sense we all share here in the Mountain State.

Make no mistake, the Build Back Better Act is an attempt by Senator Bernie Sanders, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and congressional extremists to insert the ‘green new deal’ into an already bloated federal budget bill.

In defending his position, Senator Manchin said “If enacted, the bill will also risk the reliability of our electric grid and increase our dependence on foreign supply chains. We have invested billions of dollars into clean energy technologies so we can continue to lead the world in reducing emissions through innovation.”  We couldn’t say it any better!

Senator Manchin’s position ensures that fossil energy will continue, at least for now, to provide energy independence and energy security for America, and significant economic value to West Virginia and our citizens.”

For additional information, contact Chris Hamilton at (304) 342-4153.

Charleston, W.Va. – Chris Hamilton, president and chief executive officer of the West Virginia Coal Association offers the following statement regarding National Miners Day, being celebrated today, Dec. 6, 2021:

“Today, Dec. 6, 2021, the nation honors the coal miner and the incredible role they play in delivering the quality of life all citizens enjoy. From the low cost, reliable electricity that powers our economy and heats and cools our homes to the steel supporting the build out of America to the countless products made possible by coal used in everyday life., the coal miner makes it all possible.

As our nation moves forward to implement the trillion-dollar, bipartisan Infrastructure legislation to update and modernize America’s roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure, West Virginia’s coal miners will be called upon to extract the energy that will create the steel and provide the power to propel this massive, nationwide undertaking.

Our mining workforce, the most qualified and competent in the world, will meet this challenge head on as they have done repeatedly over the past century or more. These unique individuals deserve our thanks and praise today and everyday.”

For additional information, contact Chris Hamilton at (304) 342-4153.

As our nation moves forward to implement the trillion dollar Bi-partisan Infrastructure legislation to update and modernize America’s roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure, West Virginia coal will once again be called upon to provide the energy that will create the steel and provide the power to propel this massive, nationwide undertaking.

This is tremendous news that holds great promise for all American citizens and the future of our country.  We applaud Senators Manchin and Capito and Congressman McKinley for supporting this transformational legislation.

For West Virginia, this investment is exponentially beneficial.  Not only will we see a significant buildout and repair of our infrastructure and transportation systems, but our miners and coal industry stand to be recognized and, hopefully, appreciated for stepping up to meet the task at hand.