Press
- Parent Category: News
CHARLESTON, W.Va. ─ State regulators recognized a host of West Virginia mining operations for their reclamation and environmental stewardship during the 2017 West Virginia Mining Symposium.
The reclamation awards were announced Feb. 23 at the Charleston Civic Center, where the West Virginia Coal Association held its 44th annual symposium. Inspectors with the state Department of Environmental Protection selected the winners, and DEP Secretary Austin Caperton handed out the awards.
Read more: Mining Companies Recognized for Reclamation Efforts
- Parent Category: News
CHARLESTON, W.Va. ─ The West Virginia Coal Association convened its 44th annual Coal Mining Symposium Feb. 22 and celebrated the safety achievements of mining operations across the state.
“We take great pride in the accomplishments West Virginia’s coal operators and their miners have achieved in safety,” said Coal Association President Bill Raney. “There is no greater responsibility in our industry than making sure that our miners go home safely at the end of a long workday.”
Inspectors with the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training evaluate all coal operations and contractors to select the winners, and Deputy Director Eugene White presented the awards.
- Parent Category: News
CHARLESTON, W.Va. ─ The West Virginia Coal Association is extending a giant "thank you" to President Trump for officially overturning a job-killing rule from the previous administration.
Today, President Trump signed the congressional resolution of disapproval that overturns the so-called Stream Protection Rule. This rule, which was released by the U.S. Office of Surface Mining in the final days of 2016, would have sterilized as much as 70 percent of American coalfields and specifically targeted underground coal mining.
Read more: Coal Association Says ‘Thank You’ to President Trump
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Coal Association is cheering President-Elect Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 General Election.
“This election outcome is more than West Virginia’s coal industry could have hoped for,” said Coal Association President Bill Raney. “Not only will Congress stay in the leadership hands of those who understand coal’s importance to the American economy, but we finally will have a chief executive who hears us and cares about us in West Virginia.”
While coal production in West Virginia likely will not return to the record productions levels prior to the 2008, Raney said the industry outlook shows signs of improving.
Read more: WV Coal Association Eager for Trump Administration to Stop Obama’s War on Coal
- Parent Category: News
In shocking style, Donald Trump has won the 2016 Presidential election by winning the State of Pennsylvania and garnering 276 electoral votes compared to Hillary Clinton’s 218.
On the state level, Jim Justice (D) will be West Virginia’s 36th Governor having defeated Senate President and Lt Governor Bill Cole (R) by a 49 – 42% margin while State Republicans maintain control over the state legislature by adding to its current majority in the Senate and maintaining a plus sixty (60) advantage in the House of Delegates.
State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey won reelection and WVCA-endorsed, executive office candidates Mac Warner, JB McCuskey, and Kent Leonhardt were successful in their bids to join General Morrisey on the Board of Public Works as Secretary of State, Auditor and Agriculture Commissioner respectively.
All three incumbent congressional representatives -- David McKinley, Evan Jenkins and Alex Mooney easily won reelection and the Presidential race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton remains undecided as Trump continues to gain ground in traditional Democratic states.
A more detailed analysis of state and federal races will be prepared later today. If yo have any questions, please give one of us a call at 304-342-4153.
- Parent Category: News
Mon Power & Potomac Edison Invest in Upgrades at Harrison and Fort Martin Power Stations Companies: Will Keep Coal Plants Working
CHARLESTON – Earlier this year, the West Virginia Legislature passed a bill that allowed utility companies to fast-track recovery of costs for upgrades to existing power plants if the upgrades help keep West Virginia coal miners working.
The bill is already doing what was intended.
FirstEnergy subsidiaries Mon Power and Potomac Edison recently submitted a request to the Public Service Commission of West Virginia (PSC) to recover costs for environmental control projects that support the long-term operation of Harrison and Fort Martin Power Stations.
The upgrades are part of FirstEnergy's investments in emissions control at Harrison and Fort Martin that allow the plants to meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations. These investments will allow the plants to continue generating low-emitting and affordable electricity, providing well-paying jobs, and contributing significant tax income to surrounding communities.
Read more: Legislature’s Action Keeps West Virginia Coal Miners Working
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Team of Trump and Cole Provides Leadership We Need to Rebuild our Economy
CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney today issued the following statement lauding presumptive GOP nominee for President Donald Trump for his comments following last night’s victories in the nation’s final primaries.
“Last night, Donald Trump made it absolutely clear that he is who we need as president if we want to restore our nation’s economy,” Raney said. “And he reminded us all of what America can be if our industries are allowed to compete on a level playing field.
Read more: WVCA Lauds Trump Pledge to Restore American Industrial and Mining Jobs
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CHARLESTON – Today is the primary election in West Virginia. The polls opened this morning at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. this evening. WVCA President Bill Raney released the following comments:
“We can honestly say that never in the history of our state has a single election been more important. We are choosing offices all the way from the county courthouse to the White House, “ Raney said. “And the very future of our state and our state’s leading industry ride, in large part, on the outcome of this vote. We would also urge you to specifically vote for Beth Walker in the race for Supreme Court. Today’s election will determine who will be the next justice. It is important to remember there is no general election in November for the Supreme Court.”
Following is a list of our endorsements for today’s election. Make a difference today! Vote Coal! As always, thanks.
- Parent Category: News
“Mr. President, On behalf of the best coal miners in the world, who mine the cleanest and safest; the most environmentally sound coal in the world,” Hamilton said. “We’re so pleased to endorse you today, wish you the best of luck and vow to support you the best we can.”
West Virginia Coal Association VP on Why the Organization is Backing Trump
FoxNews
During an interview with FOX Business Network’s Charles Payne, West Virginia Coal Association Vice President Chris Hamilton discussed why he is endorsing presidential candidate Donald Trump and why he stands against both Hillary Clinton and President Obama.