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Making the Strategic Case for U.S. Mineral Rights

In an era of global energy insecurity, America’s overlooked advantage lies beneath our feet. The United States holds a unique strength that may not make headlines but plays a key role in supporting American energy independence: privately owned mineral rights. As the World Energy Report notes, “Global energy security is under intense pressure ... as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and extreme weather events reshape the landscape of energy production and distribution.” In this climate, the U.S. model of mineral ownership stands out for its economic benefits and ...

Marshall Memo: State of the County; Adult Education; and More

The Marshall County Chamber of Commerce invites you to its annual State of Marshall County Breakfast at 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Grand Vue Park Special Events Hall. Sponsored by Premier Sponsor EQT and Gold Sponsors Expand Energy and Williams Energy, the event features West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner as the guest speaker. Updates will also be shared by Tony Martinelli, CEO of WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial/Wetzel County Hospitals; Shelby Haines, Marshall County Schools superintendent; Scott Varner, Marshall County Commission president; and Josh Jefferson from RED. ...

West Virginia Missing Energy and Technology Opportunity, Again

West Virginia stands at a critical crossroads when it comes to combining energy production and technological innovation. Our access to abundant natural gas reserves as well as a skilled work force allows our state to stand ready to meet America’s energy needs, further artificial intelligence development, and help future technological advancements. What we cannot let happen is watch as our neighbors, Ohio and Pennsylvania, harness these opportunities as we stand idly by. Seeing these states announce multiple, life- changing investments should serve as a wake-up call to seize our ...

Artificial Intelligence Means Farewell to the ‘Net-Zero’ Fantasy

Artificial intelligence is upon us, is here to stay, and is heading in one direction: more. More AI means more electric power generation — a lot more. “Green” or “renewable” energy is not going to cut it, no matter the fantasies of the climate-change doomsday crowd. That means the climate goals of “net-zero” carbon emissions by 2050, or whatever is the latest movable goal post set by the U.N., federal and state bureaucrats, is a dead letter. Net-zero always was a farcical, unscientific and unrealistic dogma designed to reorder societies and increase government and ...

Slow News Week

Last week was a slow news week when it comes to my specific beat of West Virginia state government news. Reporters who cover the same beat had similar opinions when I talked to them. There are weeks when it is not uncommon for me to write as many as 15 stories per week or sometimes four stories in one day. I certainly don’t mind a busy week, but last week was mostly quiet. Sure, there was the Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia’s summer meeting at the Greenbrier Resort at the beginning of last week, which saw many state elected officials address the group and talk about West ...

Point: Coal Needs To Be Part of America’s Energy Future

There is no disputing it: coal isn’t disappearing. Despite reports of coal’s demise, global coal use hit a record in 2024. Since the turn of the century, coal demand has doubled. The world needs a new political discourse on coal. This is not a fuel that is going to be phased out or a technology left behind. Its importance to energy security and energy affordability is growing. The misguided idea that the West would lead the developing world away from coal needs to be put to bed. Europe’s attempted dash to renewable power has left it energy insecure and home to the world’s ...