Charleston, W.Va. — The Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia (GO-WV) applauds the Governor’s State of the State address and his clear focus on economic development, job creation, and policies that position West Virginia for long-term growth. In response to the address, GO-WV President Charlie Burd issued the following statement:
“We appreciate the Governor’s acknowledgment that natural gas is a vital part of West Virginia’s economy and a critical component of our energy future. From powering homes and businesses to supporting manufacturing, data centers, and emerging technologies, West Virginia’s natural gas industry plays a central role in delivering affordable, reliable energy while generating significant economic benefits for communities across the state.
“The Governor’s emphasis on leveraging West Virginia’s natural resources to drive investment and opportunity aligns with the realities on the ground. Our industry supports thousands of jobs, delivers billions in annual royalty payments to landowners, contributes substantial tax revenue to state and local governments, and helps strengthen energy security both regionally and nationally.
“GO-WV looks forward to working collaboratively with the Governor, the administration, and the Legislature to advance policies that encourage responsible energy development, regulatory certainty, and continued economic growth. Together, we can ensure West Virginia remains competitive, energy-strong, and well positioned for the future.”
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- West Virginia is the #5 U.S. natural gas producer, supplying ~10% of America’s total annual production
- The industry contributed $318.3M in state severance taxes and $122.8M in property taxes during FY 2024-2025
- Operators paid more than $1 billion to WV land and royalty owners in 2025
