King Coal Still Reigns: West Virginia’s Energy Perspective
EXCLUSIVE: West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey recently shared insights into the significance of coal as an energy source during an interview with Fox News Digital. At the National Governors Association’s winter meeting, Morrisey underscored coal’s affordability, reliability, and transportability, noting that the U.S. continues to possess substantial coal reserves.
A Competing Energy Landscape
Morrisey acknowledged the ongoing competition with China concerning energy development and advancing technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). As the U.S. aims to assert its power globally, he expressed confidence that West Virginia can take the lead in energy production, particularly in coal.
“I’m still very hopeful that there’s a future for coal,” Morrisey stated. “Let me explain why: We’re right now about to embark on an information technology arms race with China.”
He emphasized the crucial role coal plays in this context, asserting, “We have to catch up to what they’re doing in terms of the Chinese use of coal and many different types of fuel sources.” He warned against allowing China to gain the upper hand as it invests in AI, advanced manufacturing, and superior energy capacities.
The Case for Coal
Morrisey highlighted the “resiliency, availability, and affordability of coal,” arguing that these factors provide a compelling case for revitalizing coal-fired power plants that have seen reduced capacity in recent years. He stressed, “If we don’t do that, we’re not going to compete with the Chinese.”
One of the governor’s primary goals is to restore West Virginia’s coal infrastructure, citing national security concerns alongside economic ones. “I think that it’s sorely needed from a national security perspective,” he added.
According to data from the state miners’ office, West Virginia produced 89 million tons of coal in 2021, a significant decline from the peak production levels of the 1940s through the late 1990s, when the state consistently averaged over 130 million tons annually.
Wyoming currently leads in U.S. coal production, followed by West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Illinois.
The Promise of Energy Resources
Governor Morrisey proudly stated, “West Virginia is America’s energy state. We’re so rich in resources: coal, natural gas, and water. And we have a lot of opportunities in front of us.” He expressed optimism regarding the bipartisan discussions taking place at the NGA aimed at accelerating the energy-permitting process.
“When you’re thinking about how to take advantage of those opportunities, you think of transmission, you think of permitting,” he explained. His sentiments were echoed by Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro, who has advocated for procedural reforms to ensure timely processing of energy project applications.
Bridging Coal and Technology
In the broader context of West Virginia’s involvement in the “AI arms race” with China, Morrisey mentioned plans to build upon initiatives set forth by his predecessor, now-Senator Jim Justice. Morrisey referred to Justice’s 2019 remarks about fostering a technology industry in West Virginia, emphasizing the local talent pool available for such ventures.
“We have so many people in this state who are gifted beyond belief and who will be able to fill these spots and do incredible work. It’s truly a pipeline of talent,” Morrisey quoted, demonstrating the state’s capacity for high-tech jobs.
Collaboration with the Federal Government
During the meeting on Saturday, Morrisey reflected on his conversation with former President Donald Trump and other governors at the White House. He reiterated the need for efficient energy operations, saying, “You can’t move energy at the speed of slow. And so we’re eager to partner with them.” He mentioned Trump’s commitment to reducing regulatory burdens by promising to remove ten regulations for every new rule enacted.
“States like West Virginia and Pennsylvania have a chance to work closely with the Trump administration,” he continued, stressing the importance of re-establishing American energy dominance through streamlined permitting processes.
Addressing Illegal Immigration and Drug Issues
In addition to energy discussions, Morrisey elaborated on his stance regarding illegal immigration and drug-related issues affecting West Virginia. Last month, he issued an executive order that resulted in the detention of approximately sixty individuals pending immigration verification.
Morrisey expressed concern over West Virginia’s status as the state with the highest drug overdose death rate per capita, advocating for robust immigration policies as a means to combat this crisis. “We’re working hand in hand with ICE to identify illegal aliens and make sure they can get deported,” he stated.
He cited the alarming rise in fentanyl trafficking from China, facilitated by Mexican drug cartels, as a contributing factor to the opioid epidemic gripping West Virginia. “I know in West Virginia we really felt the impact of that through the massive amount of death that flowed from fentanyl flooding in,” Morrisey added.
Conclusion
As West Virginia seeks to rejuvenate its coal industry while navigating the complexities of modern energy demands and technological advancements, Governor Patrick Morrisey remains resolute in promoting the state’s energy resources. His commitment to balancing coal revitalization with high-tech industry growth could define West Virginia’s energy future in the face of global competition.
