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This week, Public Service Commission Chair Charlotte Lane provided clarity on an issue that has generated unnecessary speculation: West Virginia has no plans to shut down its coal-fired power plants. As she stated directly, no utility has filed any request to close any plant, and the PSC has no intention of initiating such a process.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The America’s Coal Association today praised the bipartisan introduction of the National Miners Day Resolution, led by Senator Jim Justice (R-WV) and Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), recognizing December 6, 2025, as National Miners Day and celebrating the contributions of America’s miners.
“Coal miners are the quiet giants of America’s industrial strength,” said Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association. “From the metallurgical coal that fuels steelmaking to the thermal coal that keeps homes warm and the grid steady, West Virginia miners do the hard, necessary work that powers American progress. This bipartisan resolution is a fitting tribute to the grit, sacrifice, and productivity of the men and women who make it possible.”
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By Staff Reporter
In a heartfelt ceremony at the West Virginia State Capitol on Wednesday, West Virginia Coal Association President Chris Hamilton delivered a stirring tribute to the state’s coal miners—past, present, and future. Speaking before miners, families, state officials, and community leaders, Hamilton reflected on the deep cultural, economic, and patriotic legacy of West Virginia’s mining workforce. His remarks blended personal history, gratitude, and a forceful defense of the industry’s importance to America’s rise and continued prosperity.
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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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