February 12, 2026 - President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that three West Virginia coal-fired power plants would be among several modernized to provide energy to military installations.

The $175 million project, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, will “modernize, retrofit, and extend the useful life of coal-fired power plants that serve rural and remote communities across the United States, keeping dependable energy sources online, strengthening grid reliability, and helping keep electricity costs low for American families and businesses.”

The DOE said the projects include three in West Virginia including:

–Appalachian Power Company will upgrade two coal-fired plants in West Virginia: the Mountaineer Power Plant in Letart and the John E. Amos Power Plant in Winfield.

–Monongahela Power Company will upgrade the Fort Martin Power Station near Maidsville in Monongalia County, which consists of two coal-fired generating units.

The projects are part of the Department of Energy’s $525 million effort “to expand and reinvigorate America’s coal fleet through targeted upgrades that increase efficiency, extend plant life, and add dependable capacity using infrastructure that is already built and connected to the grid.”

The department said modernizing existing plants is the fastest and most cost-effective ways to deliver reliable power.

Honored to join @potus today at the @WhiteHouse for an event celebrating the coal industry and the hard work these men and women do every day to keep the lights on in WV and across our country.

It was also great to see President Trump recognized for his efforts to prioritize… pic.twitter.com/tLHun75Eq1

— Shelley Moore Capito (@SenCapito) February 11, 2026 

Trump signed an executive order instructing the Department of Defense to purchase its power for military bases and other installations from three dozen coal-fired plants.

Trump praised coal miners at the ceremony

“You do so much. You heat our homes, fuel our factories, and turn natural resources into American riches and dreams,” Trump said. “Clean beautiful coal! Clean beautiful coal.”

Members of West Virginia’s congressional delegation, along with several members of the West Virginia Legislature, West Virginia Coal Association President Chris Hamilton and others were at the President Trump’s signing ceremony Wednesday at the White House.

U.S. Senator Jim Justice said it was good policy.

“Clean coal has always been there to power our country forward, and now instead of allowing these plants to rust out, our own military will be the spark to revive these coal-fired power plants. Millions of dollars in investment, jobs, guaranteed energy, and safeguarding national security – this is a home run by President Trump in my book,” said Senator Jim Justice.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito posted her response on X.

“Honored to join @potus today at the @WhiteHouse for an event celebrating the coal industry and the hard work these men and women do every day to keep the lights on in WV and across our country.

It was also great to see President Trump recognized for his efforts to prioritize the coal industry— America’s most reliable and affordable energy source,” Capito posted.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey made a post on X Wednesday night thanking President Trump for the investment.

“This investment to modernize coal-fired power plants is a major win for West Virginia workers, West Virginia communities, and every American who depends on affordable, reliable electricity. It advances our 50 by 50 strategy to expand West Virginia’s energy capacity and position our state as a leading provider of dependable power for the entire country,” Morrisey said.

I applaud President Trump and @SecretaryWright for taking decisive action to strengthen America’s energy security and support the communities that have long powered this nation.