WEST VIRGINIA

The Mountain State is the second largest producer of coal and the fourth-largest energy producer in the country, with large reserves of recoverable coal that have fueled a long history of coal mining. As the world moves away from coal, states like West Virginia are struggling to adapt to job loss in the sector and fear that they will be disproportionately hurt by an energy transition. Its politics are heavily directed by coal, but despite opposition from the governor and a powerful coal lobby, the coal miners union and even some Republicans are indicating that they are ready to address coal pollution and climate change. Natural gas is poised to take the place of coal, with the state producing more natural gas than coal for the first time in 2018, with most of that production exported to neighboring states.

West Virginia does not have a state-wide climate adaptation plan, and only a modest renewable energy sector that powered, in 2018, approximately 5% of the state’s electricity generation. The mountainous terrain is well suited to hydropower and also hosts windfarms on the ridges in the east. Natural gas contributed a little over 2%. The bulk of its own electricity comes from coal — 92%.

West Virginia is the most flood prone state in the US, with a State of Emergency issued almost every year until 2019 when a State of Emergency issued in October was for a severe drought.

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Roadmap for Solar on Mine Lands

Roadmap for Solar on Mine Lands

This report lays out a roadmap for West Virginia to build upon its legacy as a domestic energy provider by capitalizing upon the vast land base of former surface coal mines as sites for new…

About Office of Energy

About Office of Energy

The West Virginia Office of Energy is responsible for the formulation and implementation of fossil, renewable and energy efficiency initiatives designed to advance energy resource development opportunities and provide energy services to businesses, communities and…

The First National Flood Risk Assessment

The First Street Foundation Flood Model represents the culmination of decades of research and development made possible by building upon existing knowledge and frameworks regularly referenced in the identification of flood risk.

West Virginia Center on Climate Change

West Virginians are increasingly affected by the crisis of human-caused global warming and climate change. To address this challenge, West Virginians need science-based research, education, communication, dialogue, advocacy, policy, and action. The mission of the…

Central Appalachian Summit Mesonet

The Virginia Tech Department of Geography has begun the development of a regional mountaintop mesonet in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and West Virginia, and the Apogee TS-100 aspirated radiation shield is being used to…

MORE NEWS

America’s Newest National Park Is Also the First in West Virginia

Eco Watch

America’s Newest National Park Is Also the First in West Virginia

By Olivia Rosane 01/07/2021

The U.S. is beginning the new year with a new national park.

Tax relief agreement approved for solar power project in Falling Waters, W.Va.

Herald Mail Media

Tax relief agreement approved for solar power project in Falling Waters, W.Va.

By Matthew Umstead 01/07/2021

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A 750-acre solar energy production project is being eyed for the DuPont Potomac River Works property in Falling Waters, W.Va.

Raleigh Chamber supports solar farm

The Register-Herald

Raleigh Chamber supports solar farm

By Jessica Farrish 8/29/20

The Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, sitting in a historic coal mining region, has come out in favor of a proposed solar farm in Raleigh County, endorsing diversification of energy sources, including renewable energy options,…

‘Evolution In People’s Thinking’: Solar Arrives in W.Va.

County 17

‘Evolution In People’s Thinking’: Solar Arrives in W.Va.

By Miranda Willson 8/28/20

Renewable energy has historically faced opposition in coal-rich West Virginia. Coal powered 92% of the state’s electricity in 2018, while renewables accounted for just 5% of the state’s electricity mix. But this spring, the West…

Trump Administration announces USDA funding for energy efficiency in West Virginia

12WBOy

Trump Administration announces USDA funding for energy efficiency in West Virginia

By Sam Haines 8/25/20

The Trump Administration announced on Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $250,000 in energy efficiency funding with the Mister Bee Potato Chip Company in West Virginia. According to a release from…

On This West Virginia Morning, A Push For Renewable Jobs In Appalachia

WV Public Broadcasting

On This West Virginia Morning, A Push For Renewable Jobs In Appalachia

8/24/20

On this West Virginia Morning, we discuss the idea of a “just transition” in Appalachia. The show begins with a pitch from Democrats last week during the Democratic National Convention to reach net zero greenhouse…

Cities With the Highest Flood Risk in Every State

NEWSWEEK

Cities With the Highest Flood Risk in Every State

By Andrew Lisa 8/23/20

Floods accounted for three of the 14 natural disasters that caused at least $1 billion in damage in the United States in 2019. In total, flooding impacted 14 million Americans last year and put another…

Coal country envisions paths forward in manufacturing, reclamation and renewables

Energy News Network

Coal country envisions paths forward in manufacturing, reclamation and renewables

By Mason Adams and Dustin Bleizeffer 8/18/20

The blue rubber rafts shriek as they slide down steep metal rails, each guided by a crew that will soon be floating down a 9-mile stretch of river, replete with Class III, IV and V…

Life After Coal: The Decline and Rise of West Virginia Coal Country

State of the Planet

Life After Coal: The Decline and Rise of West Virginia Coal Country

By Eric Scheuch 8/7/20

Areas formerly reliant on fossil fuel extraction can reinvent themselves and remain relevant in a decarbonizing economy. West Virginia shows that ignoring the need for that transition for too long results in unnecessary pain.

Chris Hamilton: Renewable energy doesn’t need its tax credits

west virginia coal association

Chris Hamilton: Renewable energy doesn’t need its tax credits

By Chris Hamilton 5/28/20

Most people do not realize that for more than 40 years the federal government has been subsidizing the development of wind and solar energy to produce electricity. So far, federal subsidies for renewable energy total…