Commentary: Is West Virginia the most exploited state?

Of all the states in the country, West Virginia is one of, if not, the most exploited states. From resources like labor, coal and the state's natural beauty to less tangible things like class consciousness and worker solidarity, all of these and other things have been stripped down to a state of bareness or nonexistence.

By: Aaron Hamler

Outlets: West Virginia Watch

Published: November 9, 2026

Words: 1,254

Last Updated: 12 hours, 33 minutes ago

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Of all the states in the country, West Virginia is one of, if not, the most exploited states. From resources like labor, coal and the state’s natural beauty to less tangible things like class consciousness and worker solidarity, all of these and other things have been stripped down to a state of bareness or nonexistence.

Former Sen. Joe Manchin referred to West Virginia as an extraction state, and as sad as it …

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