The COALition

05/14/2026

Coal Currents: An Intelligence Brief for the Coal Industry

A Publication of The Hedley Company | Week Ending May 10, 2026 | Vol.

05/14/2026

PJM may be ‘too big to function’: FERC Chairman Swett
Each of the 13 states in PJM, and the District of Columbia, have “fundamentally different regulatory structures, resource portfolios and politics,” said FERC Chairman Laura Swett.

Each of the 13 states in PJM, and the District of Columbia, have “fundamentally different regulatory structures, resource portfolios and politics,” FERC Chairman Laura Swett said. FERC will host a conference in July to identify potential reforms to PJM’s governance structure.

05/09/2026

05/09/2026

WV Coal Association Endorses Ben Queen for State Senate in District 12

Charleston, W.Va. — The West Virginia Coal Association today announced its endorsement Ben Queen for State Senate, citing his strong record and clear commitment to protecting coal jobs and advancing an America First energy policy.

“This May 12th, West Virginians in the 12th Senatorial District have a clear choice,” said Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association. “Ben Queen understands that our state’s economy and our communities depend on a strong coal industry and reliable American energy.”

Hamilton said Queen has been a vocal advocate for coal and a consistent opponent of federal policies that threaten West Virginia’s energy sector. He has pledged to fight Biden-era regulatory overreach and ensure that coal remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy.

“Ben Queen is pro-coal and pro-worker,” Hamilton noted. “He recognizes that protecting energy jobs means protecting West Virginia families, and he is committed to pushing back against policies that undermine our industry.”

The Association also pointed to Queen’s broader alignment with conservative principles, including support for tax cuts, Second Amendment rights, and policies that prioritize economic growth and individual freedoms.

“Ben Queen is the conservative Trump candidate who stands unapologetically for our values, our freedoms, and our way of life,” said Hamilton. “He doesn’t bend to political pressure. He doesn’t cave to the left. And he won’t compromise when it comes to defending West Virginia’s energy producers and the men and women who power this nation.”

“We need leaders who will stand firm for American energy independence,” Hamilton added. “Ben Queen is that leader in the State Senate.”

The West Virginia Coal Association encourages voters to support candidates who will protect the state’s energy economy and preserve its way of life.

For additional information, contact Chris Hamilton at (304) 342-4153.

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05/08/2026

Vote for Team Coal on May 12!

05/08/2026

WV Coal Association Endorses John “Big John” White for House of Delegates in 34th District

Charleston, W.Va. — The West Virginia Coal Association today announced its endorsement of John “Big John” White for House of Delegates, citing his clear commitment to protecting coal jobs and advancing an America First energy policy.

“This May 12th, West Virginians in the 34th House District have a clear choice,” said Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association. “Big John White understands that our state’s economy and our communities depend on a strong coal industry and reliable American energy.”

Hamilton said White is a vocal advocate for coal and a consistent opponent of federal policies that threaten West Virginia’s energy sector. He has pledged to fight Biden-era regulatory overreach and ensure that coal remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy.

“John White is pro-coal and pro-worker,” Hamilton noted. “He recognizes that protecting energy jobs means protecting West Virginia families, and he is committed to pushing back against policies that undermine our industry.”

The Association also pointed to White’s broader alignment with conservative principles, including support for tax cuts, Second Amendment rights, and policies that prioritize economic growth and individual freedoms.

“John White is the conservative Trump candidate who stands unapologetically for our values, our freedoms, and our way of life,” said Hamilton. “He doesn’t bend to political pressure. He doesn’t cave to the left. And he won’t compromise when it comes to defending West Virginia’s energy producers and the men and women who power this nation.”

“We need leaders who will stand firm for American energy independence,” Hamilton added. “John White will be a true leader in the House of Delegates.”

The West Virginia Coal Association encourages voters to support candidates who will protect the state’s energy economy and preserve its way of life.

For additional information, contact Chris Hamilton at (304) 342-4153.

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05/08/2026

WV Coal Association Endorses Zack Maynard for State Senate in District 7

Charleston, W.Va. — The West Virginia Coal Association today announced its endorsement of Zack Maynard for State Senate, citing his strong record and clear commitment to protecting coal jobs and advancing an America First energy policy.

“This May 12th, West Virginians in the 7th Senatorial District have a clear choice,” said Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association. “Zack Maynard understands that our state’s economy and our communities depend on a strong coal industry and reliable American energy.”

Hamilton said Maynard has been a vocal advocate for coal and a consistent opponent of federal policies that threaten West Virginia’s energy sector. He has pledged to fight Biden-era regulatory overreach and ensure that coal remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy.

“Zack Maynard is pro-coal and pro-worker,” Hamilton noted. “He recognizes that protecting energy jobs means protecting West Virginia families, and he is committed to pushing back against policies that undermine our industry.”

The Association also pointed to Maynard’s broader alignment with conservative principles, including support for tax cuts, Second Amendment rights, and policies that prioritize economic growth and individual freedoms.

“Zack Maynard is the conservative Trump candidate who stands unapologetically for our values, our freedoms, and our way of life,” said Hamilton. “He doesn’t bend to political pressure. He doesn’t cave to the left. And he won’t compromise when it comes to defending West Virginia’s energy producers and the men and women who power this nation.”

“We need leaders who will stand firm for American energy independence,” Hamilton added. “Zack Maynard is that leader in the State Senate.”

The West Virginia Coal Association encourages voters to support candidates who will protect the state’s energy economy and preserve its way of life.

For additional information, contact Chris Hamilton at (304) 342-4153.

05/07/2026

WV Coal Association Endorses Trenton Barnhart for State Senate in District 3

Charleston, W.Va. — The West Virginia Coal Association today announced its endorsement of Trenton Barnhart for State Senate, citing his strong record and clear commitment to protecting coal jobs and advancing an America First energy policy.

“This May 12th, West Virginians in the 3rd Senatorial District have a clear choice,” said Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association. “Trenton Barnhart understands that our state’s economy and our communities depend on a strong coal industry and reliable American energy.”

Hamilton said Barnhart has been a vocal advocate for coal and a consistent opponent of federal policies that threaten West Virginia’s energy sector. He has pledged to fight Biden-era regulatory overreach and ensure that coal remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy.

“Trenton Barnhart is pro-coal and pro-worker,” Hamilton noted. “He recognizes that protecting energy jobs means protecting West Virginia families, and he is committed to pushing back against policies that undermine our industry.”

The Association also pointed to Barnhart’s broader alignment with conservative principles, including support for tax cuts, Second Amendment rights, and policies that prioritize economic growth and individual freedoms.

“Trenton Barnhart is the conservative Trump candidate who stands unapologetically for our values, our freedoms, and our way of life,” said Hamilton. “He doesn’t bend to political pressure. He doesn’t cave to the left. And he won’t compromise when it comes to defending West Virginia’s energy producers and the men and women who power this nation.”

“We need leaders who will stand firm for American energy independence,” Hamilton added. “Trenton Barnhart is that leader in the State Senate.”

The West Virginia Coal Association encourages voters to support candidates who will protect the state’s energy economy and preserve its way of life.

For additional information, contact Chris Hamilton at (304) 342-4153.

05/07/2026

WV Coal Association Endorses Toby Heaney for State Senate in District 2

Charleston, W.Va. — The West Virginia Coal Association today announced its endorsement of Toby Heaney for State Senate, citing his strong record and clear commitment to protecting coal jobs and advancing an America First energy policy.

“This May 12th, West Virginians in the 2nd Senatorial District have a clear choice,” said Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association. “Toby Heaney understands that our state’s economy and our communities depend on a strong coal industry and reliable American energy.”

Hamilton said Heaney is a vocal advocate for coal and opposes federal policies that threaten West Virginia’s energy sector. He has pledged to fight Biden-era regulatory overreach and ensure that coal remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy.

“Toby Heaney is pro-coal and pro-worker,” Hamilton noted. “He recognizes that protecting energy jobs means protecting West Virginia families, and he is committed to pushing back against policies that undermine our industry.”

The Association also pointed to Heaney’s broader alignment with conservative principles, including support for tax cuts, Second Amendment rights, and policies that prioritize economic growth and individual freedoms.

“Toby Heaney is the conservative Trump candidate who stands unapologetically for our values, our freedoms, and our way of life,” said Hamilton. “He won’t bend to political pressure. He doesn’t cave to the left. And he won’t compromise when it comes to defending West Virginia’s energy producers and the men and women who power this nation.”

“We need leaders who will stand firm for American energy independence,” Hamilton added. “Toby Heaney will be that leader in the State Senate.”

The West Virginia Coal Association encourages voters to support candidates who will protect the state’s energy economy and preserve its way of life.

For additional information, contact Chris Hamilton at (304) 342-4153.

05/07/2026

WV Coal Association Endorses Rollan Roberts for State Senate in District 9

Charleston, W.Va. — The West Virginia Coal Association today announced its endorsement of Rollan Roberts for State Senate, citing his strong record and clear commitment to protecting coal jobs and advancing an America First energy policy.

“This May 12th, West Virginians in the 9th Senatorial District have a clear choice,” said Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association. “Rollan Roberts understands that our state’s economy and our communities depend on a strong coal industry and reliable American energy.”

Hamilton said Roberts has been a vocal advocate for coal and a consistent opponent of federal policies that threaten West Virginia’s energy sector. He has pledged to fight Biden-era regulatory overreach and ensure that coal remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy.

“Rollan Roberts is pro-coal and pro-worker,” Hamilton noted. “He recognizes that protecting energy jobs means protecting West Virginia families, and he is committed to pushing back against policies that undermine our industry.”

The Association also pointed to Robert’s broader alignment with conservative principles, including support for tax cuts, Second Amendment rights, and policies that prioritize economic growth and individual freedoms.

“Rollan Roberts is the conservative Trump candidate who stands unapologetically for our values, our freedoms, and our way of life,” said Hamilton. “He doesn’t bend to political pressure. He doesn’t cave to the left. And he won’t compromise when it comes to defending West Virginia’s energy producers and the men and women who power this nation.”

“We need leaders who will stand firm for American energy independence,” Hamilton added. “Rollan Roberts is that leader in the State Senate.”

The West Virginia Coal Association encourages voters to support candidates who will protect the state’s energy economy and preserve its way of life.

For additional information, contact Chris Hamilton at (304) 342-4153.