CHARLESTON, WV – Today, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette met with West Virginia Governor Jim Justice in Charleston, WV to discuss energy issues impacting the state. The Deputy Secretary noted the Administration’s support of a strong and vibrant West Virginia economy and the important economic potential from the state’s abundant energy resources.
This trip stems from President Trump’s Executive Order on energy infrastructure, which directs the Department of Energy to submit a report to the President describing opportunities to promote the economic growth of the Appalachian region, including growth of petrochemical and other industries as well as unleashing the full potential of the United States’ natural resources. This report will also assess methods for diversifying the Appalachian economy and promoting workforce development. Governor Justice underscored the importance of the Administration’s efforts to streamline and improve infrastructure permitting processes.
The Governor and Deputy Secretary look forward to working together to promote energy, petrochemical, and manufacturing opportunities in Appalachia.
Brouillette and Justice also reiterated their support for opening up foreign and domestic markets for U.S. coal, and investing in innovative technologies that enable the clean utilization of coal for power generation.
While in West Virginia, Brouillette met with members of the West Virginia State Senate and House of Representative as well as Attorney General Patrick Morrisey to discuss efforts to bolster the economy and strengthen energy security in the Appalachian region.
The Deputy Secretary’s visit to West Virginia follows his trip with Secretary Perry to Kentucky last week, and paves the way for additional visits by DOE leadership to other Appalachian region states later this year.
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