Export Report Shows Consistent Growth
and Diversification of West Virginia Economy
Virginia. Notably, products and parts for the aerospace industry
reported export growth at 17.8 percent over the previous year.
Coal continued to be the state’s primary export and led the
nation with more than $4.3 billion exported to 35 countries.
India, Ukraine, Netherlands, Brazil and Canada were the top
five export markets for West Virginia coal.
Canada remained West Virginia’s largest trading partner
with more than $1 billion in exports. For the second year in
a row, West Virginia saw an increase in exports to its number
two trading partner, India. West Virginia’s exports to India
grew 46 percent in 2018.
McKinley Introduces Legislation to
Advance Energy Infrastructure Projects
West Virginia exports increased for the second year in a row,
reaching $8.1 billion in 2018. The state outpaced the national
average growth rate as its exports increased 14.2 percent while
the nation’s exports grew at just 7.6 percent.
“To see our exports growing at almost double the national rate
is truly incredible,” says Governor Jim Justice. “Not only is it
great news for our manufacturers who have made a home
here in West Virginia and have seen their businesses grow be-
cause of it, but it is also wonderful to know West Virginia’s
products are making an impact all over the world and that
everyone gets to see just how good we really are.”
Plastics, chemicals, automotive, metals, aerospace and hard-
woods combined for more than $3 billion in exports from West
THINK ALPHA FIRST
In April, Congressman David McKinley, P.E., introduced the
Water Quality Certification Improvement Act of 2019, which
will help advance energy infrastructure projects. This legislation
will clarify Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, which is part
of the permitting process for pipelines and other infrastructure
projects. Currently, some states have used the Section 401 certifi-
cation process to prevent and delay federally permitted projects.
“Building and modernizing energy infrastructure is vital for
our economy and our energy security,” says McKinley. “States
like Washington and New York have been abusing this law to
block coal exports and delay pipeline projects. It is critical we
clarify Section 401 and stop the abuse of this law on behalf
of an ideological keep-it-in-the-ground agenda.”
Specifically, the legislation will clarify that the scope of a
section 401 review is limited to water quality impacts only and
209 Prairie Ave.
Morgantown, WV 26501
(304) 296-8216
Since 1969, Alpha Associates has completed a multitude of industrial
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SPRING 2019
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