February 20, 2026 - Coal miners descended into the West Virginia State Capitol this afternoon to support the coal industry in West Virginia.

Coal miners and industry leaders gathered with lawmakers at the Capitol with one message: to protect coal jobs and mines in West Virginia.

The rally was put on by The Coal Forum, which is a collaborative effort between West Virginia coal operators and miners.

The state’s coal leaders mentioned the recent announcements from Friday about several mine closures in the southern part of the state.

But by being at the Capitol on Wednesday, they say they want to show that they are protecting and preserving coal jobs.

“We think that coal should be the number one method for producing electricity in West Virginia. It’s reliable. There’s plenty of it. And, you know, we want to build our communities back up to what they were,” Thomas Clark, administrator for the West  Virginia Board of Coal Mine and Safety, said.

Chris Hamilton, president of the West Virginia Coal Association, spoke at the rally. He says he wants lawmakers to fight for the future of coal in the Mountain State.

“We just have to ask for our great friends and the West Virginia legislature, and then the governor’s mansion to just do a little more to protect and work for these coal jobs. There are great opportunities out there,” Hamilton said.

Organizers with the West Virginia Coal Festival, which is held in Madison, were there to show support.

Several delegates who have worked in the coal mines or who have miners in their family spoke about keeping the heritage and history of coal alive in West Virginia.

Multiple speakers mentioned working with Washington and the Trump Administration to ensure coal is the leading fuel that keeps the lights on in West Virginia.