Governor Jim Justice is the strongest supporter of West Virginia coal and a champion for coal miners

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Coal Association announced the endorsement of Governor Jim Justice in the race for U.S. Senate in West Virginia today.

From Chris Hamilton, President, West Virginia Coal Association:

“Our industry views the race for U.S. Senate as important as the Presidential race. This race may determine control of the Senate and whether New York Democrat Chuck Schumer continues to set the agenda, name committee chairs, and call the plays,” said Chris Hamilton, President and Chief Executive Officer of the West Virginia Coal Association.

Hamilton continued, “We believe West Virginia will be better served with a new and insightful leader in the Senate, which is why we offer our unconditional support for Jim Justice to succeed Senator Joe Manchin.”

“Our industry is challenged like never before, and our mere existence is threatened. We need political leaders, like Governor Justice, who are willing to go the extra mile for our business and the 50,000 West Virginians who show up at a mine site or coal-fired manufacturing facility every day,” concluded Hamilton

From Governor Jim Justice:

“Coal is an important part of our economy and our state’s history. I’ll always fight for coal, and you will not find a stronger supporter of coal in the U.S. Senate. Coal will lead America to energy independence like it did under President Trump. I’ll always put America first; our energy workers and American coal, oil, and gas will lead to energy independence,” said Governor Jim Justice.

Governor Justice has been a leader in supporting the coal industry and coal miners during his time in office, including:

• Lowered the coal severance tax on steam coal.
   
• Protected energy jobs by requiring Public Energy Authority approval to decommission any existing coal, oil, or natural gas-fueled power plant.
   
• Reduced regulations to encourage the development, transportation and use of electricity generated using West Virginia coal.
   
• Incentivized greater investment in coal production and processing facilities.
   
• Reactivated the Public Energy Authority to foster, encourage, and promote the mineral development industry in West Virginia.
   
• Discussed the importance coal and American energy resources with President Donald J. Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C.

The West Virginia Coal Association is West Virginia’s primary coal membership organization, representing over 90 percent of state thermal coal production and 65 percent of metallurgical coal production.