Charleston, W.Va. – Chris Hamilton, President/CEO of the West Virginia Coal Association, issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s energy and regulatory policy announcement today:

“We are deeply appreciative of President Trump’s steadfast commitment to America’s coal industry and energy security. The planned initiatives by the Department of Energy, Department of Interior, and Environmental Protection Agency represent an extraordinary affirmation of the President’s long-standing support for responsible coal production, family-sustaining coal jobs, and reliable, affordable American energy.

The President’s continued action – from advancing The Big Beautiful Bill and establishing his Energy Dominance Council to directing meaningful regulatory improvements – delivers real hope and opportunity to thousands of miners and communities across West Virginia and coal states nationwide. The planned expansion of federal land leases and updated royalty policies will help ensure a stable future for miners and their families, while essential federal investments in both maintaining and building coal-fired generation safeguard our grid, grow domestic manufacturing, and protect America against outages and adversaries.

The Association especially welcomes the EPA’s commitment to re-examining water and air guidelines with input from those directly impacted, and to recognizing the successful compliance strategies pioneered here in West Virginia. By relying on sound science, the agency’s review of regional haze rules signals a return to regulatory fairness and balanced stewardship of our land and air.

On behalf of the workers and families who power this nation every day, we thank President Trump, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of the Interior, and the EPA Administrator for listening, for acting, and for honoring the critical contributions of America’s coal industry.

We look forward to working in partnership to advance these historic policies, protect good jobs, and foster a future where West Virginia coal continues to energize our country and strengthen American prosperity.”

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