Bill > SB424

This bill, titled the "Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026," aims to facilitate coke production and steelmaking in West Virginia by amending existing laws and adding new provisions. It renames the relevant article from the "Coal Fired Grid Stabilization and Security Act" to the "Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026." The legislation finds that advancements in mining and drilling technologies, coupled with potential changes in federal economic policy favoring domestic manufacturing, create a prime opportunity for West Virginia to capitalize on its coal reserves, particularly metallurgical coal needed for coke production used in steelmaking. The bill directs the West Virginia Division of Economic Development (formerly Department) to identify suitable sites for both coal electric generation and coke production plants, considering factors like proximity to coal supplies, electricity consumers or rail facilities for coke transport, and adherence to air quality standards. It also establishes a streamlined 270-day timeframe for the Public Service Commission to adjudicate applications for projects at these designated sites. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Division of Economic Development report on potential locations by December 31, 2026, and designate at least one site for each purpose by that date, with additional sites to be identified annually for the following five years, ensuring a balanced distribution across the state.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=424&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill