West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin said Wednesday he will express to the federal Energy Transition Team how important a role West Virginia plays in energy.

Manchin was part of a group of governors who met with President-elect Barack Obama earlier this week.

“(Obama) understands our challenges, understands we have done well in an energy economy and how much coal means and using it with more technology,” Manchin said.

The governor said 43 of the 50 states are struggling economically, and during the meeting they talked about helping states cope with budget shortfalls.

He said that fortunately, West Virginia is not struggling -- because of its healthy coal industry.

Still, Manchin warned residents to avoid a false sense of security about the economy and said it’s just a question of time until the state feels the effects of the recession.

Manchin said he was very impressed with the meeting in Philadelphia at the Old Congress Hall. He said the talks were very productive in light of the fact that 22 governors are Republican and most likely did not support Obama. Manchin said Obama made everyone feel comfortable.

“He says, ‘First of all, let me tell you I’m here to listen. I’m a good listener.’ He says, “I’m even a better listener when people disagree. I found that out a long time ago. I don’t have all the answers. I don’t know everything, so I need you as a partner,’” Manchin said.

The governor said the meeting was the first time a president-elect has ever met with a bi-partisan governors’ association.