Bill > HB5038

This bill, titled the "Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026," aims to boost West Virginia's economy by facilitating the production of electricity from coal and the manufacturing of coke, a key ingredient in steel production. It renames an existing act and declares that developing these industries, particularly when using West Virginia's metallurgical coal, will significantly benefit the state's economy and citizens. The bill directs the Department of Economic Development to identify suitable sites for both coal-fired power plants and coke production facilities, considering factors like proximity to coal reserves, transportation infrastructure, and air quality regulations. Furthermore, it mandates expedited review processes for projects located at designated sites, requiring the Public Service Commission to issue final orders within 270 days for such applications. The Department of Economic Development is also given specific deadlines to report on prospective and designated sites for these industries, with a requirement to designate at least one site for each use annually after 2027, and to ensure a geographical distribution of these sites across the state.

Transportation and Infrastructure

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5038&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill