U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer continued her nationwide “America at Work” listening tour this week, visiting West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
“At the Department of Labor, we are committed to putting American Workers First by providing pathways to mortgage-paying jobs and ensuring everyone comes home safely at the end of the day,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer said. “I enjoyed sharing that commitment with workers in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee this week, where I also learned more about how the department can help address workplace challenges so employers and employees can better provide for themselves and their families.”
West Virginia
On Monday, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer visited Appalachian Power’s John E. Amos plant in Charleston, West Virginia, a three-unit coal-fired power plant owned and operated by Appalachian Power. The day began with a sit-down meeting where the Secretary was briefed on the operations, growth, and safety. They discussed how the Trump Administration’s pro-coal and pro-worker policies have positively impacted hardworking families across the region.
Following the conversation, the Secretary toured the power plant and spoke with workers who help meet the growing electricity demand of the region. The employees underscored the importance of safety in the industry and supported her push for alternative routes to the labor force outside of four-year degrees.
Kentucky
Secretary Chavez-DeRemer then traveled to Lexington, Kentucky for a tour of the historic Keeneland facility. The Secretary was joined by her former colleague Rep. Andy Barr, as they walked the grounds of the National Historic Landmark. They later engaged with local officials and Keeneland leadership in a roundtable discussion about the horseracing industry with a special focus on its labor component.
The tour demonstrated how the multibillion-dollar horseracing industry has been a boon for Kentucky and remains a staple for both their economic output and job market. Secretary Chavez-DeRemer and Rep. Barr reinforced their commitment to collaborate at all levels of government to support the important industry and its workers.
Tennessee
Wrapping up the week with a visit to her 44th state, the Secretary was welcomed by the Tennessee Valley Authority to their Cumberland Fossil Plant. She joined their leadership to witness an immersive AI presentation which highlighted the company’s focus on innovation and unleashing the full potential of the American Worker.
Throughout the tour, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer spoke with TVA employees and union leaders, underscoring her mission at the Labor Department to improve the lives of both workers and their families. She reiterated her directive from President Trump to reach 1 million active apprentices nationwide and shared a progress report of having reached approximately 318,000 apprentices since January 2025.
The Secretary’s visit concluded with an opportunity to engage with the workers who were preparing for an impending snowstorm in the region; she thanked them for their tireless efforts to provide power for families and support for communities.