CHARLESTON, W.Va. ─ A new study on the economic impact of West Virginia’s coal industry shows that even when facing the worst regulatory pressures in history, the mining and coal-fired power generation industries still generated nearly $14 billion in economic activity for the Mountain State.

“Coal and coal-fired electric power always has been a major driver behind West Virginia’s economy, and this study clearly demonstrates that not only is coal the bedrock of our economy, it’s a key component of our future,” said West Virginia Coal Association President Chris Hamilton. “Even following years of decline, the mining and coal-fired power generation industries remain one of the largest economic generators in the state.”

West Virginia coal production rebounded from the previous two weeks when transportation difficulties impacted coal shipments.  State production increased by +23.5%  Production from the NAPP region of the state increased by +24% and W.Va. CAPP production increased by +22.6

National coal production increased by +20%, with production from the entire Appalachian region increasing  by just over +20%

Throughout the past year, the West Virginia Board of Coal Mine Health & Safety has been updating the body of administrative law governing underground, surface and surface areas of underground coal mining.

The Board’s objective is to update, consolidate or reduce the number of rules affecting coal mine safety that have been affected by recent legislative activity and the enactment of Coal Jobs and Safety Acts over the past five years.

Earlier this week, the Board approved the five sets of Administrative Rules for final promulgation. These rules were proposed for public comment last year and will become effective on March 27th.

Coal production declined week over week across the nation as production was impacted by transportation delays and difficulties associated with the extremely cold weather.

West Virginia coal production slipped again week over week, declining by -15.5%  Production from the NAPP region of the state decreased by -17% and W.Va. CAPP production declined by -13.3%.  National coal production decreased by -10%, with production from the entire Appalachian region declining by just over -10%.

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Coal Association filed a motion with the West Virginia Public Service Commission on Friday, Feb. 19 to intervene in a case involving the John Amos Power Plant (Putnam Co.), Mountaineer Power Plant (Mason Co.) and Mitchell Power Plant (Marshall Co.) to mandate the Ohio based, parent utility, American Electric Power (AEP), to continue operating the state-regulated plants throughout their planned operating life cycle.

“These plants have provided the state and region an enormous infusion of tax dollars and revenues for decades and more importantly keep thousands of West Virginians gainfully employed,” said Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association. “The real rate payers of our state – the power plant workers and area residents – have kept these facilities in tip-top operating condition which should assure that these plants continue to operate for their planned life cycle and not close prematurely because of growing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) concerns or at the whims of the Sierra Club or other environmental groups.”