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Looking Back at 2025—and Forward with Confidence
As the calendar turns, it is worth pausing to take stock of where we’ve been and where we’re headed. For America’s coal industry—and especially for the men and women of the West Virginia coalfields—2025 marked a turning point. After years of regulatory headwinds and policy uncertainty, the nation began to regain its footing. The change did not come by accident. It came because leadership changed, priorities changed, and common sense began to reassert itself.
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U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has appointed Chris Hamilton, President and Chief Executive Officer of the West Virginia Coal Association, to serve as a member of the National Coal Council (NCC).
The National Coal Council is a federal advisory committee established to provide expert guidance and recommendations to the U.S. Department of Energy on matters related to coal policy, technology, and strategic priorities. Members of the Council represent a diverse cross-section of coal industry leaders, researchers, utilities, and policy experts.
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The West Virginia Coal Association today applauded the Trump Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for finalizing the Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category – Deadline Extensions Rule. The rule provides much-needed compliance flexibility for America’s coal-fired electric generating units, ensuring that West Virginia’s coal fleet can continue to power our homes, businesses, and industries while supporting thousands of good-paying jobs.
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The West Virginia Coal Association (WVCA) today announced it has submitted formal comments to the West Virginia Office of Energy in response to the state’s request for input on the development of a Comprehensive Energy Plan for West Virginia. The comments were transmitted to West Virginia Office of Energy Director Nicholas Preservati and focus on the central role coal must continue to play in meeting the state’s and nation’s energy, economic, and security needs.
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West Virginia had the 13th lowest electric rates in the United States in September 2025. Of our surrounding states, only Kentucky had lower average electric prices (-$0.55) than West Virginia.
West Virginia rates were -$3.13 (-22%) lower than the U.S. Average and -$2.96 lower than the average price in 13-state region of PJM (-21%). Compared to the average price in the three deregulated border states (PA, OH and MD), West Virginia rates were -$3.66 cheaper (-25%).
Compared to last year, Average U.S. prices were +$3.91 (+38%) higher in September 2025. The average price in the 13-state region of PJM was +$2.00 higher (+17%) and West Virginia prices increased +$0.01 (+0.09%).
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