Mountain State Stewardship: A Q&A with Austin Caperton

Austin Caperton’s long-time career as a coal executive and his family’s history in politics seem to have groomed him for a position in public service. A successful, self-made entrepreneur and the cousin of a former West Virginia governor, Caperton was appointed cabinet secretary of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) by Governor Jim Justice in January 2017. With a proven record of working with companies and creating jobs in the energy industry, he brings a unique perspective to the role that he hopes will allow him to balance protecting West Virginia’s land, air and water with eliminating inefficient red tape that prevents growth and prosperity.

A Blueprint for Success

The manufacturing industry has long been a vital component of the American economy. Despite the rapid-fire challenges resulting from globalization, automation and technological advancement, according to the 2016 Global Manufacturing Competitive Index, the U.S. remains one of the top three countries for manufacturing, along with China and Germany. Currently, the U.S. produces close to 20 percent of all products worldwide, and by 2020, the U.S. is expected to retake the number one spot.