Bill > SB648

This bill, titled the Strategic and Critical Resources Act, aims to promote the development and availability of essential minerals and materials vital for national security, economic stability, and energy reliability in West Virginia by establishing uniform statewide regulations. It defines "strategic and critical resources" broadly to include a specific list of minerals and materials, as well as those designated by federal agencies or presidential determination, and also includes host materials from which these resources are economically recovered. The act asserts state preemption over local regulations that would prohibit or restrict the extraction or development of these resources and related facilities, though it clarifies that general business licenses, property taxes, and the State Building Code still apply. Importantly, the bill prohibits foreign adversaries, defined as entities designated as such under federal law, from owning or controlling land used for extracting these resources, and restricts entities on federal restricted commerce lists from operating or entering into significant agreements with resource facilities if it poses a national security risk. The act also confirms that federal and state environmental, natural resource, and public health laws remain in effect, and directs the Office of Energy to propose legislative rules to implement these provisions.

Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=648&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill