WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday announced a sweeping national security initiative directing nearly $700 million toward coal‑fired power generation, export capacity and grid reliability — a move that drew strong support from West Virginia’s top Republican leaders.
The administration is invoking the Defense Production Act, a 1950 law granting broad federal authority over critical industries, to protect dozens of existing coal plants, finance a new state‑of‑the‑art facility, and support a West Coast export terminal aimed at expanding access to Asian markets. Federal officials estimate the plan could save American consumers roughly $50 billion in electricity costs.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey joined Trump at the White House for the announcement, calling the initiative a “massive win” for both the state and national security.
“By protecting existing plants, building new facilities, and saving Americans $50 billion in electricity costs, President Trump is securing a reliable grid to power modern technology,” Morrisey said. “West Virginia stands ready to lead this energy resurgence and prove that clean, dependable coal is here to stay.”
The White House also confirmed a U.S. Department of Energy grant to establish a new coal‑fired power plant in West Virginia — a project praised by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice, who were unable to attend the event due to Senate votes on long‑term funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Capito said the administration’s investment underscores coal’s role in providing “reliable, baseload energy” and supporting manufacturing, affordable electricity and mining jobs. “My fellow West Virginians and I are thankful to have an administration that recognizes the importance of coal,” she said.
Justice called the announcement a “stake in the sand” for miners who “get their dinner bucket and go out to work every single day,” saying the president’s action demonstrates support for workers who are “often taken for granted.”
The administration said invoking the Defense Production Act will fast‑track infrastructure upgrades and strengthen the nation’s ability to compete with China’s expanding energy influence.
