Chris Hamilton
President & CEO , West Virginia Coal Association
Chris Hamilton started his position as president and CEO of the West Virginia Coal Association in January , which he views as a high honor .
“ The span of influence and responsibility on behalf of coal today is phenomenal ,” he says . “ You are representing a huge segment of entrepreneurs and corporations who invest so much in our state and people . You also represent the most skilled industrial workers in the world — men and women who are committed to our state and who share our values and beliefs . Our members are responsible for thousands of jobs and an enormous amount of revenue and growth for our state . Above all else , they harvest energy for steel production and infrastructure buildout and ensure the delivery of household and industrial power .”
Hamilton and his team have two primary objectives : doing what they can to protect and preserve a coal-based generation , particularly in West Virginia , and continuing development of metallurgical coal reserves .
“ Not far behind is our desire to incentivize the advancement of alternative uses for coal and carbon products ,” he says . “ We must also do everything humanly possible to continue benefiting from our current level of in-state coal consumption . West Virginia ’ s eight-plant , coal-fired electric generation fleet is among
the cleanest burning and most efficient facilities in the nation and world . It provides thousands of high-paying jobs and tremendous economic value for so many West Virginians and local communities and contributes immensely toward energy and homeland security measures .”
Recently , Hamilton extended an invitation to Vice President Kamala Harris to visit the state ’ s coalfields . Although Harris has not yet responded to the invitation , Hamilton is hopeful she will , as he believes politicians make better decisions when they are informed and equipped with first-hand experience .
“ I would like for her to spend time with the men and women who design , manage and run our mining operations before advancing legislation to effectively end what I believe is the most honorable professions on the planet ,” he says . “ Our miners are the best of the best at what they do , and they go about it with great pride and sophistication . Every politician who has lined up against mining has offered our miners alternative career paths . Mining is incredibly important , and our miners deserve better from their government . They should be recognized for their many contributions to our society and quality of life and saluted by our political figures .”
During the 2021 legislative session , Hamilton encouraged state officials to monitor coal plants and do everything in their power to keep them running .
“ Coal mining is responsible for nearly 14 % of our state ’ s gross domestic production or one out of every six dollars generated within the state ’ s boundaries ,” he says . “ A lot of what we do is in transition and highly susceptible to legislative policy .”
46
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE