WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (AP) -- Governor Joe Manchin plans to push renewable energy projects ranging from hydroelectric dams to solar power in West Virginia.

Speaking at a Southern States Energy Board meeting Friday, Manchin said more renewable projects will protect West Virginia from criticism as it pushes coal as critical to helping America achieve energy independence.

Manchin says using wind, biomass, even waste to generate electricity still leaves West Virginia 75 percent or more short of meeting its needs. But Manchin says doing so means no one can discredit the state's message about coal.

West Virginia has underscored that message by approving a $2.23 billion clean-coal plant and supporting a proposed $800 million coal-to-liquids plant capable of making methanol and unleaded gasoline.