Bill > SB678

This bill establishes the Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2025, which aims to facilitate coal-based electricity generation and coke production for steelmaking in West Virginia. The legislation directs the Department of Economic Development to identify and designate sites suitable for coal electric generation and coke production projects, with specific requirements for geographic distribution and site selection. The bill mandates that the department submit preliminary reports by December 31, 2025, identifying at least four potential locations for both electricity generation and coke production, ensuring sites are selected from both north and south of Interstate 64. The department must designate at least one site for each purpose by the end of 2026 and continue to identify additional sites in subsequent years. The bill emphasizes the economic importance of coal and steel production for West Virginia, highlighting the potential for job creation and economic development. It also establishes a performance accountability mechanism, stipulating that failure to meet the reporting and designation requirements will result in a 25% reduction in the department's spending authority in the following fiscal year. The legislation aims to streamline regulatory processes, promote innovation, and enhance West Virginia's competitiveness in the coal and steel industries.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=678&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill