During West Virginia Mining Symposium, which took place March 26-27 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 ..read more

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Featuring local, state, and federal officials as well as industry experts, the West Virginia Coal Association will host the 50th Annual West Virginia Mining Symposium March 26-27 at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center in Charleston, West Virginia.  Chris Hamilton, President and Chief Executive Officer of the West Virginia Coal Association, said, “The Symposium draws wide participation from all sectors of the mining industry and provides an opportunity for the industry to discuss current domestic and international marketing and production trends, while showcasing new mining and ..read more

By: Chris Hamilton President & CEO West Virginia Coal Association In a November 29 column, MetroNews Talkline Host Hoppy Kercheval highlights new research that shows that “the idea that a laid off roof bolter can get a new job making solar panels or installing wind turbines is largely an unfulfilled promise”. He’s referring to the promises made by the Biden Administration, liberal leaders, and environmental extremists that workers in carbon intensive industries can find work in the Green Energy fields of wind and solar. According to the research, “the transition rate is even lower in our s ..read more

Validating what the West Virginia Coal Association has known for years, the West Virginia Public Service Commission recently announced the findings of a U.S. Energy Administration study that found West Virginia’s industrial electric rates are the second lowest in the nation and lowest in the nation overall since 2000. “The study corroborates what energy experts have known all along: that West Virginia's industrial electric rates are indeed among the lowest in the country thanks in large part to West Virginia’s ecosystem of coal-fired electric generation facilities,” said Chris Hamilt ..read more

Great news! Friends of Coal has just launched an invigorating new radio spot, and we’re eager for you to hear it. West Virginia coal is powering ahead, reaching 45 countries and drawing global admiration for its quality. Our radio spot celebrates this remarkable reach and the billions invested in our state's coal mining, ensuring it remains a dependable energy source for generations. More than just energy, our coal sector supports over 50,000 jobs, bolstering our economy and keeping families thriving. We invite you to tune into our vibrant spot on your local stations and join us in recognizin ..read more

Commits $500 Million to Destroy American Jobs, U.S. Energy Reliability  Charleston, W.Va. – With an announced $500 million commitment to expand the Beyond Carbon campaign, former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg seeks to shut down every remaining coal-fired power plant in the country, slash natural gas plant capacity in half, and block any new gas plants, all within the next six years.  Rachel Gleason, President of the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance, remarked “It is an absolute attack on our state, our livelihoods, and our families. It is un-American that someone would use their we ..read more

With an announced $500 million commitment to expand the Beyond Carbon campaign, former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg seeks to shut down every remaining coal-fired power plant in the country, slash natural gas plant capacity in half, and block any new gas plants, all within the next six years. “As I said in 2019 when Bloomberg last reinvigorated his crusade, it’s an absolute attack on our state, our families, our livelihoods, and it directly impacts north of 50,000 people collectively here in West Virginia,” said Chris Hamilton, President and CEO of the West Virginia Coal Association ..read more

By: Chris Hamilton President & CEO West Virginia Coal Association In a recent column by MetroNews Talkline Host Hoppy Kercheval, he quotes Mitch Carmichael, Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Commerce, as saying, “From 2017 to 2021…West Virginia generated $6.2 billion in private capital investment…The state generated $6.2 billion in 2022 alone. In one year, we did more than the previous years”. Secretary Carmichael and the Department of Economic Development staff are to be commended for their tireless efforts to attract business to the state and their recent successes. It is our ..read more

The West Virginia Coal Association, the state’s primary coal membership organization representing over 90 percent of state thermal coal production and 65 percent of metallurgical coal production, today praised Governor Jim Justice for featuring the startup of the Pleasants Power Station during his opening remarks at the WV Chamber Commerce Business Summit on Wednesday morning.   During his remarks, Governor Justice announced the startup of the Pleasants Power Plant and raved about the significant contributions of coal and coal fired electric generation to the state, region, and count ..read more