PHOTOS: Capito Makes Stops to Promote Economic Development, Support our Coal Economy, and the Future of AI

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) made stops across West Virginia in Beaver, Charleston, and Morgantown.

To begin the day, Senator Capito traveled to Beaver, W.Va. where she participated in a groundbreaking and tour of Amazon's new delivery facility. This facility will serve as the last stop in the shipping process, helping to get packages from distribution hubs onto delivery vehicles and directly to people's doorsteps. This investment will speed up delivery times for families and businesses across Raleigh County and the surrounding region.

"I was proud to join Amazon and many of our community leaders here in West Virginia in celebrating the opening of the Beaver facility. This investment will bring so many meaningful job opportunities to our communities and strengthen our economy. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this facility will have for hardworking West Virginians and their families," Senator Capito said.

"We are excited to be part of the Beaver community and to lead a team that's committed to serving our neighbors across West Virginia," Ashley Cavender, leader of Amazon's Beaver facility, said. "At Amazon, we believe in delivering not just for our customers, but for our employees as well-that's why we're proud to offer competitive wages starting at $19 per hour and opportunities for career growth. We look forward to being a productive member of this community for years to come."

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) attends a ribbon cutting at Amazon's new delivery facility in Beaver, W.Va. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivers remarks at a ribbon cutting at Amazon's new delivery facility in Beaver, W.Va. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) attends a ribbon cutting at Amazon's new delivery facility in Beaver, W.Va. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) attends a ribbon cutting at Amazon's new delivery facility in Beaver, W.Va. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Next, Senator Capito traveled to Charleston to participate in the West Virginia Coal Association's annual symposium, where she addressed industry leaders and stakeholders on key issues impacting West Virginia's energy sector, including economic development, permitting, and the future of coal.

"It was an honor to be invited to speak at the West Virginia Coal Association's annual environmental awards. Since President Trump took office just over one year ago, the outlook for West Virginia's coal industry has truly transformed. Rather than penalize and villainize coal, like our federal policies did under the Biden administration, President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin have removed unreasonable regulations and accurately positioned coal as a critical, affordable and reliable energy source for our nation. I will continue to partner with President Trump and Administrator Zeldin to make sure our nation can take advantage of the plentiful coal resources here in our state," Senator Capito said.

"We were very grateful that Senator Capito could join us as the keynote speaker at today's awards luncheon. Senator Capito has been a consistent champion of coal throughout her time in Congress, and the policies that she has supported have had an incredible impact on our industry and the hardworking coal mining communities across West Virginia. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Senator Capito in her efforts to advance West Virginia coal," Chris Hamilton, President and CEO of the West Virginia Coal Association, said.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivers remarks at the West Virginia Coal Association's annual symposium in Charleston, W.Va. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

To end the day, Senator Capito spoke in Morgantown at the "2026 Focus Forward Conference," hosted by the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative and Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. During the event, Senator Capito delivered closing keynote remarks on the use of AI in leadership.

"I was proud to join educators, community leaders, and partners like the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation to discuss emerging technologies like AI and how they can impact leadership. West Virginia has a real opportunity in this space, and I am confident that we will equip our next generation with the skills necessary to rise to the challenge. By working together and focusing forward, we can build a stronger future for West Virginia's classrooms, workforce, and communities," Senator Capito said.

"We are thrilled that Senator Capito could join our eighth annual Focus Forward conference, one of West Virginia's thought leadership conferences to look at societal issues impacting West Virginia's workforce and economy," Jen Giovannitti, President of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, said. "We are grateful for her continued support and engagement at this event, as well as her leadership at the federal level as we begin to navigate how AI and emerging technologies will shape the future."

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) attends the "2026 Focus Forward Conference" in Morgantown, W.Va. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

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