On Dec. 3, Suzanne Bentzel, director of Federal Relations, and Dr. Dick Bajura, director
emeritus for the National Research Center for Coal and Energy, represented the
University to celebrate this year’s WCC champions of coal: President Donald J.
Trump, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice, and Governor Patrick
Morrisey.
Senator Capito, current Chairwoman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee,
also accepted the Senator Jennings Randolph Lifetime Achievement Award. In her
remarks, she emphasized her long-standing commitment to coal workers, noting
her role in founding the Congressional Coal Caucus in the House and advancing
coal-related legislation in both chambers.
"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the D.C. Coal Club. I understand all too well the role that coal plays in our state and as part of our identity as West Virginians. West Virginia energy has been used to fortify our country, connect our country with railroads, bridges, and highways, and provide access to reliable electricity. That work is something to be proud of and something we must continue to invest in." Senator Capito said.
WVU Federal Relations’ presence at the event reinforces the University’s long history
supporting the coal industry. For decades, WVU has supported the industry through
mining education and research focused on developing environmentally sound, cost-effective
uses of fossil fuels, as well as advancing the recovery of rare earth elements
from coal waste.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, received a lifetime achievement award from the Washington, D.C., Coal Club for her longtime support of the coal industry.