Calling on all Friends of Coal to “Stand Up and Be Counted”— Let our voices be heard!

As previously announced, the West Virginia Coal Association filed a petition to intervene in a case brought by American Electric Power (AEP) before the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) that is centered around the Mitchell Power Plant is Marshall County, West Virginia. 

The issue is whether the Mitchell Plant should close twelve years ahead of schedule.  If approved, this decision will prematurely eliminate hundreds of coal mining and plant worker jobs and tens of millions of dollars of economic activity that supports Northern West Virginia communities. 

Total West Virginia coal production increased week over week by +6.43%.  Production from the state's NAPP region increased by +8.72% and by +3.48% in the CAPP region of the state.  National coal production also increased from the previous week by 4.26%, with production from the entire Appalachian region increasing by +3.3%, the Interior region by +4.26% and by +4.56% in the Western region.  Coal production from the entire NAPP thermal region increased by +3.27% week over week. Implied national met production increased by +3.7% from the previous week.

Year to date, coal production in West Virginia is off by -7.3% from the same time last year.  While the state's NAPP region is up +3.3%, production in the CAPP region of the state is off by -17.80% from 2020.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. ─ Through the passage of various pieces of mining-related legislation, the West Virginia Legislature and Governor Justice showcased their support for coal miners and coal-fired power plant workers during the 2021 Legislative Session. 

“We are so very grateful for the recognition displayed by the Legislature and Governor Justice of the importance of West Virginia’s coal economy,” said Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association.  “The mining and coal-fired power generation industries remain one of the largest economic generators in the state and state policy leaders recognized that fact through passage of Senate Bill 542, Senate Bill 718 and Senate Bill 677, among others.” 

West Virginia coal production slipped again week over week by -4.17%, declining by -3.6% in the NAPP region of the state and by -4.81% in the state's CAPP region.  National coal production also declined from the previous week by -6.7%:  -6.6% in the Appalachian region, -7.13% in the Interior region and -6.62% in the Western region.  Production from the entire NAPP thermal region declined by -5.72% week over week.  Implied national met production declined by -8% from previous week.

Prices for NAPP thermal coal increased week over week by +3% (+$1.60), CAPP pricing also increased by 3% (+$1.80).  ILB prices were unchanged.  PRB pricing declined by -0.4%, WBIT prices declined by -0.3% week over week.  Average U.S. natural gas pricing fell by -1.94% from the previous week.

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.”