CHARLESTON, W.Va. ─ Through the passage of various pieces of mining-related legislation, the West Virginia Legislature and Governor Justice showcased their support for coal miners and coal-fired power plant workers during the 2021 Legislative Session. 

“We are so very grateful for the recognition displayed by the Legislature and Governor Justice of the importance of West Virginia’s coal economy,” said Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association.  “The mining and coal-fired power generation industries remain one of the largest economic generators in the state and state policy leaders recognized that fact through passage of Senate Bill 542, Senate Bill 718 and Senate Bill 677, among others.” 

West Virginia coal production slipped again week over week by -4.17%, declining by -3.6% in the NAPP region of the state and by -4.81% in the state's CAPP region.  National coal production also declined from the previous week by -6.7%:  -6.6% in the Appalachian region, -7.13% in the Interior region and -6.62% in the Western region.  Production from the entire NAPP thermal region declined by -5.72% week over week.  Implied national met production declined by -8% from previous week.

Prices for NAPP thermal coal increased week over week by +3% (+$1.60), CAPP pricing also increased by 3% (+$1.80).  ILB prices were unchanged.  PRB pricing declined by -0.4%, WBIT prices declined by -0.3% week over week.  Average U.S. natural gas pricing fell by -1.94% from the previous week.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. ─ A new study on the economic impact of West Virginia’s coal industry shows that even when facing the worst regulatory pressures in history, the mining and coal-fired power generation industries still generated nearly $14 billion in economic activity for the Mountain State.

“Coal and coal-fired electric power always has been a major driver behind West Virginia’s economy, and this study clearly demonstrates that not only is coal the bedrock of our economy, it’s a key component of our future,” said West Virginia Coal Association President Chris Hamilton. “Even following years of decline, the mining and coal-fired power generation industries remain one of the largest economic generators in the state.”

West Virginia coal production rebounded from the previous two weeks when transportation difficulties impacted coal shipments.  State production increased by +23.5%  Production from the NAPP region of the state increased by +24% and W.Va. CAPP production increased by +22.6

National coal production increased by +20%, with production from the entire Appalachian region increasing  by just over +20%

Throughout the past year, the West Virginia Board of Coal Mine Health & Safety has been updating the body of administrative law governing underground, surface and surface areas of underground coal mining.

The Board’s objective is to update, consolidate or reduce the number of rules affecting coal mine safety that have been affected by recent legislative activity and the enactment of Coal Jobs and Safety Acts over the past five years.

Earlier this week, the Board approved the five sets of Administrative Rules for final promulgation. These rules were proposed for public comment last year and will become effective on March 27th.