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For more than a century, America’s coal industry has powered our homes, forged our steel, and fueled our prosperity. It has been the backbone of industrial growth and a symbol of American strength, self-reliance, and hard work. Even today — after nearly two decades of relentless political and regulatory assault — coal remains one of this nation’s most valuable resources, sustaining hundreds of thousands of jobs and keeping electricity affordable and reliable for millions of families.
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In his op-ed published Friday in the Charleston Gazette-Mail, Brian Dayton of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce argues that natural gas is a cheaper base fuel for electric generation. Unfortunately, his claims rely on selective data, flawed comparisons, and a misunderstanding of how power systems actually work.
Let’s start with the data. Dayton cherry-picks six states from the PJM Interconnection, a regional transmission organization that actually spans 13 states. By narrowing his focus, he crafts a misleading narrative. Even using his limited snapshot, West Virginia’s electric rates remain among the lowest of our neighboring states. When the full 13-state PJM footprint is considered, the disparity becomes even clearer. And when comparing all states east of the Mississippi River, West Virginia ranks second overall for affordability—proof that coal-fired generation continues to deliver reliable, low-cost power.
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The West Virginia Coal Association applauds United States Senate Republicans for declaring October 19-25 as National Coal Week. The Resolution pays tribute to the men and woman who mine coal and cited the importance of coal-fired generation and coal-to-steel technologies as the bedrock fuel behind the U.S. economy and our country’s national security.
Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association, saluted the action of the U.S. Senate Republicans and reinforced his appreciation for miners across America who are the face of our nation’s most reliable and diverse fuel source and work every day to provide for their families.
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Senate Republicans introduced a resolution Monday declaring “Coal Week,” as the climate-change movement’s least-favorite energy source enjoys a rebound under the Trump administration.
Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming was joined by fellow Republicans from Alaska, Utah and West Virginia in sponsoring the resolution that cheers on President Trump for boosting coal after years of opposition under Democratic presidents.
“For years, the Biden and Obama administrations waged a relentless war on American coal, killing jobs, undermining our communities and driving up energy costs for everyday Americans,” Ms. Lummis said. “Under President Trump’s pro-energy leadership, we are fighting back and reversing that destructive agenda."
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Charleston, WV – Today, Monday, October 6th, 2025, the West Virginia Republican Party was joined by the West Virginia Coal Association, Attorney General JB McCuskey, and nearly forty members of the West Virginia House of Delegates and State Senate for a press conference at the State Capitol Lower Rotunda in Charleston to highlight President Donald J. Trump’s new investment and policy initiatives supporting West Virginia’s coal industry.
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