West Virginia’s Energy Transition Opponents Secure Renewable Power Victory in Election Results

West Virginia’s energy transition and climate action opponents secured major victories in Tuesday’s election results, with Gov. Jim Justice and Attorney General Patrick Morrisey both winning their respective Republican nominations. Justice, a coal magnate, has been a vocal skeptic of climate change and has pushed for new coal plants in the state. Morrisey has been a leading force against EPA policies aimed at curbing industrial pollution.

Meanwhile, Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott won the Democratic U.S. Senate primary race, emphasizing the need for environmental consciousness and job creation in West Virginia. Despite his win, former coal company CEO Don Blankenship made a comeback in three counties, years after being sentenced to federal prison for safety violations at a mine that resulted in 29 deaths.

The state’s heavy reliance on coal for electricity generation has led to a 90% increase in residential electricity prices from 2005 to 2020, with West Virginia facing frequent damaging floods due to climate change. However, there are signs of progress towards renewable energy, with a decline in coal-fired generation and the development of National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors to support renewable energy expansion.

While Justice and Morrisey continue to oppose the energy transition, recent EPA rules aimed at reducing emissions from fossil fuel plants have faced legal challenges from West Virginia. The state’s fight against an accelerated energy transition is ongoing, with the political battle likely just beginning.

Despite these challenges, leaders like Mayor Elliott and Huntington Mayor Steve Williams are advocating for a more environmentally conscious approach to energy. As the state grapples with its energy future, the need for a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability becomes increasingly apparent.