MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – This afternoon, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) chaired a Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee on the economic importance of modern, reliable infrastructure in West Virginia and other energy-producing states. Senator Capito released this statement following the hearing at the Monongalia County Justice Center:
“Today’s hearing was an opportunity to further the dialogue about the need for modern energy infrastructure, highlight the projects already taking place in West Virginia, and identify the areas of opportunity for the future. As the United States becomes one of the dominant players in energy production, there is arguably no other state where the discussion on energy infrastructure is more critical than in West Virginia,” said Senator Capito. “Building modern infrastructure will do exponentially more than just deliver cheap, reliable energy – it will also create jobs, boost the economy and local communities, improve the safety of our grids and pipelines, and contribute to lowering emissions. West Virginia has proven time and again that we have the perfect storm of natural resources and the skilled workforce that make investment in energy infrastructure so valuable.”
The Morgantown field hearing featured several West Virginia experts including: Dr. Brian J. Anderson, Director of the West Virginia University Energy Institute; Dr. John Deskins, Director of the Bureau for Business and Economic Research at West Virginia University; Chad Earl, Director of Business Development at Orders Construction, Steven Hedrick, President and CEO of Matric, Jeff Keffer, CEO of Longview Power LLC; and Dan Poling, Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer of the District Council 53 International Union of Painters and Allied Trades.
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), a member of the committee, also attended the hearing.
“West Virginia has helped power the nation for decades and today’s hearing in Morgantown symbolizes our state’s importance in shaping policies that will expand energy technology and infrastructure,” Senator Manchin said. “Considering the economic challenges we face today, it’s more important than ever that we go the extra mile to examine opportunities for job creation and economic development while ensuring we remain an energy leader for the nation. Our state is rich in natural resources and we must support policies that ensure West Virginia continues to be a significant and sustainable participant in the energy future of this nation. Today’s hearing highlighted these points and I look forward to working with my colleagues and key stakeholders to keep West Virginia at the forefront of energy innovation.”
Senator Capito’s statement, witness testimony and audio of the hearing will be available on the ENR committee’s website.
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