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The West Virginia Coal Association applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for reauthorizing the National Coal Council through H.R. 3015, the National Coal Council Reestablishment Act. This important legislation ensures continued collaboration between industry leaders and government to support the future of coal in America.

The reauthorization of the National Coal Council will maximize coal's critical role in the U.S. electricity mix, help stabilize the increasingly unreliable electricity grid, and drive innovation and responsible development in coal mining and utilization for years to come.  

“We extend special thanks to Congressman Riley Moore for his strong support of the bill,” said Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association. “His commitment to advancing West Virginia’s coal industry and promoting energy security is vital to our state and the nation.” 

The council previously provided expert advice on coal policy, markets, and technologies for nearly four decades, a trusted source of coal industry expertise which was lost when the Biden administration let its charter lapse in 2021. 

For additional information, contact Chris Hamilton at (304) 342-4153. 

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Charleston, W.Va. – House Bill 2014, legislation to incentivize microgrid and data center development in West Virginia, became effective this month, and with it, the implementation of rules and regulations to maintain and strengthen the state’s coal industry.  

Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association, said, “The bill will sustain demand for West Virginia coal, protect jobs, and preserve the economic stability of our mining communities, and through that, our state’s economy. This critically important legislation prioritizes coal for existing and new energy capacity and requires utilities to maintain their plants to operate at optimum levels.” 

Read more: WV Coal Association Applauds Implementation of HB 2014

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America's Coal Associations comprised of the nation's state Coal Associations and major coal advocacy groups issued the following statement in response to the final passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) by Congress and its expected signing by President Trump:

“Today marks a landmark victory for our nation's coal miners, their families, and every community that depends on coal for its livelihood said Judy Colgan, Executive director, Rocky Mountain Mining Institute. 

"The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill is a decisive blow to the regulatory overreach that has stifled our industry and jeopardized America's energy independence for far too long," said Krissy Lilljedahl, Administrative Director, Texas Mining and Reclamation Association.

Read more: Americas Coal Associations Applauds Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill

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The West Virginia Coal Association today welcomed the final passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) by Congress and its anticipated signing by President Trump. The legislation marks an important step toward restoring balance and accountability in American energy policy.

"For years, the coal industry has been burdened by excessive regulation and uncertainty. The OBBB helps reverse that trend by implementing reforms that ease permitting, improve access to federal lands, and eliminate policies that placed domestic producers at a disadvantage," said Chris Hamilton, president of the WVCA.

Read more: West Virginia Coal Association Welcomes Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill