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Senator Jim Justice: Coal "has a real place at the table" in West Virginia's energy future
Summary
Senator Jim Justice said coal remains central to West Virginia's energy strategy, citing technological advances and growth during the early Trump years, while acknowledging COVID-19 disrupted demand.
Senator Jim Justice said coal "has a real place at the table" for West Virginia and urged a balanced approach to energy that includes fossil fuels alongside other forms.
Justice, identifying himself as "an energy guy," told host Larry that the state has seen "advances in the coal side beyond belief," citing scrubbers and other improvements. He said coal production grew "in the Trump early years" before COVID-19 curtailed demand.
The senator argued that West Virginia must "embrace all the energy forms" and cautioned against policies that attempt to eliminate fossil fuels immediately. "Anybody that absolutely believes we can do without our fossil fuels today, in my opinion, is living in a cave," he said.
Justice framed the discussion in economic terms, pointing to jobs and production. He acknowledged that global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic slowed coal markets but said technological gains leave coal with a continuing role.
The interview did not include policy proposals, votes, or legislative action; Justice described the state's industrial strengths and past trends and framed coal as part of a diverse energy portfolio.
