July 16, 2026 - The Public Service Commission of West Virginia was filled Wednesday with a sea of camo donned by the United Mine Workers of America.

Miners like Mike Knight are voicing strong opposition to the proposed $2.48 billion Mon Power natural gas powerplant in Monongalia County.

He said it runs the risk of minimizing the use of coal-fired power plants and putting hardworking miners out of work.

“When those companies collapse, so do the retirement benefits earned through decades of hard work and dangerous work,” Knight said. “Also our local economics will be devastated. There are no replacement jobs for these workers, no new industries waiting in the wings and no safety net for the families who depend on these paychecks.”

FirstEnergy said the proposed 1,200 megawatt plant is aiming to curb an anticipated electricity generation shortfall that is projected by 2029.

If the proposal gets the green light, customers would see an increase of $1.18 per month.

FirstEnergy Spokesperson Chris Hoenig said this is the most cost effective option for West Virginia ratepayers.

“We are seeing economic development across the state of West Virginia,” Hoenig said. “This is about ensuring that every home, every business has the power it needs, not just today, but for generations to come to meet the needs of the state.”

The UMWA also raising concerns that if coal-fired plants are replaced, it could cost the state upwards of $1 billion in tax revenue.

“Approving this petition forces West Virginians to pay more of their hard-earned money so multi-billion-dollar out-of-state corporations can satisfy their own environmental policy agendas,” said Butch Henry, who is opposed to the proposed plant. “Our workers and communities should not be sacrificed for corporate convenience.”