July 5, 2025 - Coal production was up in West Virginia the first three months of the year, but the results across the region were mixed.

The state’s coal production rose 6.4% in January, February and March, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

It was not evenly distributed, though. Northern West Virginia production rose nearly 21%, while in southern West Virginia, it declined 7.6%.

Hundreds of coal workers in southern West Virginia last month learned they would be laid off in early August.

Other Appalachian states saw a decline in the first quarter. Production in Kentucky declined 8.2%. It was down 2.8% in Pennsylvania.

Coal’s share of U.S. electricity production slipped to 15% in 2024, and for the first time last year, wind and solar outpaced coal in the sector.

West Virginia remains the second most U.S. producer of coal, behind Wyoming.