June 6, 2026 - President Donald Trump’s effort increase America’s energy production is about to pay off for West Virginia.

The Department of Energy plans invest up to $350 million to increase the country’s production of coal-fired power, Trump announced Thursday at the White House.

“Today, we’re taking historic action to bring down the price of energy and the cost of living for all Americans with the power of clean, beautiful coal,” Trump said in a news release. “As a result of the $700M investment that I’m announcing today, we will protect 14 coal plants and 42 coal mines, and build 2 new coal plants and one massive new export terminal... these actions will support over 14,000 jobs and save the American people $50B in electricity costs.”

One of the new coal plants will be built in Mount Storm, West Virginia.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said she’s thrilled Trump is continuing his commitment to generating reliable, baseload energy through West Virginia coal.

“My fellow West Virginians and I are thankful to have an administration in the White House that recognizes the importance of coal, and how it creates expanded manufacturing opportunities, affordable power, and good-paying jobs for our coal miners and their families,” Capito said in a statement.

Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., said he’s really proud to say that today is a stake in the sand for our miners that get up every day, men and women alike who get their dinner bucket, and go out to work, every single day, and oftentimes, they are simply taken for granted.

“But today, we have President Trump standing up for all our miners and for all of us,” Justice continued. “Coal is in our DNA in West Virginia, and we are ready to continue steering America towards energy dominance.”

Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the announcement is a massive win for West Virginia and national security.

“By protecting existing plants, building new facilities, and saving Americans $50 billion in electricity costs, President Trump is securing a reliable grid to power modern technology,” said Morrisey. “West Virginia stands ready to lead this energy resurgence, lower costs for working families, and prove that clean, dependable coal is here to stay.”

The grant will also fund the construction of a coal-fired power plant in Alaska and the recommissioning of coal-fired power plants in Puerto Rico and Maryland.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said coal miners remain essential to American energy dominance.

“Unfortunately, previous leaders launched relentless attacks on U.S. coal workers and industry, threatening grid reliability and driving energy prices higher for the American people. Thanks to President Trump, we are not only stopping the premature closure of our coal plants, but also taking steps to expand and modernize existing coal infrastructure,” Wright said. “These actions will help ensure affordable, reliable, and secure energy access for decades to come.”

Energy Undersecretary Kyle Haustveit said affordable, reliable energy is the foundation of human prosperity and economic growth.

“These investments will help unleash America’s coal miners so they can continue delivering the energy our nation needs to keep the lights on and power the future. Rest assured, coal will play a critical role in our nation’s long-term energy security,” he added.