West Virginia has always been an energy state. From the coal that built our nation to the natural gas fueling the industries of tomorrow, our state has provided the reliable energy America needs to prosper. Today, we stand at another pivotal moment as FirstEnergy’s Mon Power and Potomac Edison propose the construction of a new 1,200-megawatt natural gas power plant. This project is about more than electricity — it’s about securing our energy future, creating good jobs, and ensuring West Virginia continues to lead America forward.

The energy demands of the 21st century are rapidly evolving. Across the nation, electricity use is climbing, fueled by population growth, new industries, and the explosive expansion of data centers and artificial intelligence. Meeting this demand requires reliable, affordable, and flexible power sources. Natural gas, abundant right beneath our feet here in West Virginia, is uniquely positioned to meet that challenge.

This new power plant is not just about reliability–it’s about West Virginia families and businesses. It means lower energy costs, a more stable grid, and the ability to attract industries that bring high-paying jobs and new opportunities to communities across West Virginia. And it keeps more of our state’s natural gas working for our people, rather than exporting its value elsewhere.

But projects like this don’t just happen. They require a permitting and regulatory framework that allows smart investment to move forward. Unfortunately, today’s state and federal processes are often bogged down in red tape, delays, and litigation that discourage investment and drive-up costs. If America is serious about energy security, we need meaningful regulatory reform.

West Virginia’s U.S. Senators, Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice, are doing their part by leading the fight in Washington for much-needed federal regulatory reform. With the help of President Donald Trump, they are working to undue shortsighted Obama-Biden era policies that have stifled our energy sectors. Both the Biden and Obama administrations tried to push “Green New Deals” or “climate smart” agendas that propped up unreliable energy sources, under the guise of the ESG movement, leaving our country at a severe disadvantage.

Now, as we try to compete with countries such as China for technological supremacy, we no longer have the needed power to advance American interests. If we are to contend with our greatest threat, the Chinese Community Republic, we must continue to put America and American energy first. That means investing in an all-the-above approach that empowers, not stifles energy creation.

President Trump and Senators Capito and Justice know what we all know here at home: energy is the backbone of economic growth. Their leadership is ensuring that not only does America remain an energy nation, but West Virginia remains an energy state. But their efforts must be matched with similar enthusiasm at the state level. Our governor and legislature must do everything in their power to get the government out-of-the-way of much needed development of energy production.

West Virginians understand better than most the link between energy and prosperity. Projects such as FirstEnergy’s Mon Power and Potomac Edison new natural gas power plant is an investment in our future, a commitment to American energy security, and a promise of jobs and opportunity for our people. By pairing abundant resources with smart policy and strong leadership, we can ensure that West Virginia continues to power America — today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. Let’s keep this momentum rolling so West Virginia can remain an energy powerhouse for the nation.

(Larry Pack is West Virginia’s 26th State Treasurer)