January 21, 2022 - The West Virginia Coal Association presented it annual legislative program to state lawmakers, highlighting the mining industry’s vision for coal and coal mining as part of the states’ energy and economic future.

The Association outlined a dozen issues that would help the industry better defend against President Biden and future climate attacks and to incentivize the industry to capitalize on the strong market for coal.

Among other initiatives, the legislative program seeks tax credits for mine infrastructure projects and production equipment; Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) legislation that protects against financial companies that discriminate against coal companies; and, legislation to utilize coal severance dollars to offset high coal-fired electric costs.

Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association, said, “It is incumbent for government leaders to join with industry and its workers to devise and fund appropriate strategies to incentivize and protect the coal industry. At the same time, we must continue to oppose and draw attention to President Biden’s anti-fossil energy initiatives.”

“There is a second crisis looming today caused by an immediate high demand for domestic coal,” Hamilton said. “In-state coal-fired utilities have dangerously low levels of coal on hand as seasonally higher power demands are anticipated.”

“Despite all the gloom and doom out of Washington DC, we maintain there’s an immediate and sustained role for West Virginia coal. We have a once in a lifetime chance to propel our state’s bedrock industry forward so it can continue to drive our economy into the future.”

The Regular Legislative Session continues through Saturday, March 12.