CHARLESTON — West Virginia Governor Jim Justice reminded state lawmakers on Friday that “energy is a weapon” and that the state should use its coal and natural gas resources wisely as Ukraine’s fight against a Russian invasion continues.

Justice voiced his support for Ukraine as he addressed a gathering of House and Senate members during the closing hours of the legislative session. The session will end at midnight on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, Justice announced that he was directing the West Virginia National Guard and the State Department of Homeland Security to assist Ukraine by enlisting West Virginia law enforcement to donate surplus body armor to the country.

His words to legislators did not ask them for any specific action, except that they not be afraid to “stand up to bullies” internationally, in America or West Virginia, or those who criticize the state’s fossil fuel industries.

“Today, I believe we have a colossal problem in the world”, Justice said. “But with every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. There is also an opportunity.

West Virginia has always led the nation and the world in providing coal and affordable energy, he continued.

“Today, the very resources we have – coal, gas, our fossil fuels – are poised to prevent, if not save, the end of the world,” he told lawmakers.

Everyone wants clean air and the “best of the best,” according to the court.

“Whether it’s nuclear, hydrogen, solar or wind panels, anyone we want to adopt,” he said. “And here I am. But they are the parsley around the plate.

“Meat and potatoes are our gas, our oil and our coal. Today, I would tell you, never forget it.

West Virginia’s fossil fuel industries have been shaken up “again and again” by those who wish to eliminate them, Justice said, and are often taken for granted.

“But they saved and made this nation’s bacon”, he said. “Today they are again called upon to save the world – perhaps.”

He called for international support not only for Ukraine, but also for West Virginia’s fossil fuel industry.

“The outside world needs to hear from West Virginia,” Justice said. “We led the way at so many different times.

“When it comes to climate change, I don’t know if it’s real or not. I really do not know. But I know today that this world is threatened beyond belief.

The judge said he believed God wanted mankind to continue to progress.

“And civilization only progresses with abundant and cheap energy”, He continued. “It’s not progressing any other way. Love it or hate it, we have to live here too.

He said he knows where God stands, and it’s not for evil and violence.

“God is with Ukraine. God is with America. God is with West Virginia too. Justice said.

And today there is an opportunity for West Virginia coal, according to Justice.

“We can’t ruin everything” he said.

Justice said America “must be energy independent in all respects.”

“And that independence starts here – little old West Virginia,” He continued. “God will give us time for the smart people of the world to solve the riddle. If there really are climate changes to embrace, He will give us time.

“Energy is a weapon. We’d better realize that.” Justice said.