WV Leaders and Coal Association React to Announcement From President Trump
June 7, 2026 - WV Governor Patrick Morrisey and Senators Jim Justice (R-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), as well as the West Virginia Coal Association, all released statements about President Trump’s announcement that involved energy security and the coal industry.
According to a press release from Governor Morrisey’s Office, on Thursday, June 4, 2026, President Trump announced that almost $700 million would go towards “strategic coal projects” due to the Defense Production Act (DPA), a 1950 statute that gives broad authority over critical national security industries, being invoked.
The press release stated the initiative is meant to help lower domestic energy prices, counter the increasing economic dominance of China, and revitalize the coal industry in the United States.
This historic announcement is a massive win for West Virginia and our 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. West Virginia stands ready to lead this energy resurgence, lower costs for working families, and prove that clean, dependable coal is here to stay.
According to the press release, the money would be used to “protect dozens of existing coal plants across the country, finance the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility, and support a West Coast coal export terminal to ship American fuel to expanding markets in Asia.”
The press release stated that the Trump administration intends to fast-track essential infrastructure upgrades and reach approximately $50 billion in consumer electricity savings. The strategy will help the United States keep a “resilient domestic power grid, ” while also “competing against foreign energy monopolies in the global market.”
In another press release, Senators Jim Justice (R-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) also praised the announcement made by President Trump, which included a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for a new coal-fired power plant to be built in the Mountain State.
I’m 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 we have President Trump standing up for all our miners and for all of us. Coal is in our DNA in West Virginia, and we are ready to continue steering America towards energy dominance.
I’m thrilled that President 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.
While we continue to vote in the U.S. Senate to provide long-term funding for the hardworking men and women of ICE and CBP, it’s great to see the Trump administration make this investment to further strengthen our national security through American energy dominance.
- Senator Shelley Moore Capito
According to a separate press release, the West Virginia Coal Association also applauded the funding announcement from President Trump, which included money for a new coal-fired power plant in West Virginia.
This is, simply, incredible news, and possibly one of the most impactful announcements for the West Virginia coal industry since Congress mandated coal be used as a feedstock for electricity generation fifty years ago.
This is a major victory for our industry, our workers, and the future of American energy independence. We commend President Trump for recognizing what we have long known — that coal remains essential to a reliable, resilient, and secure electric grid.
By investing in next-generation coal technologies and strengthening existing plants, this administration is ensuring that coal continues to play a vital role in meeting America’s growing energy demands. West Virginia stands ready to lead.
This funding sends a clear signal that America is serious about energy security. West Virginia’s coal miners and power plant workers are second to none, and this investment will help secure their future while powering our nation.
- Chris Hamilton | President of the West Virginia Coal Association
The press release stated that the U.S. Department of Energy, with help from the Defense Production Act, will lead the initiative, which will involve $185 million in grant funds to aid new coal generation projects, with the Mountain State being chosen as a location for new development. $425 million for upgrades to 13 existing coal-fired power plants across the nation, as well as $75 million for the improvement of coal export infrastructure, is also part of the plan.
