Bill > SB942

This bill, titled the "Creating Advanced Baseload Energy Development Act," establishes an "Advanced Energy Division" within the Office of Energy to promote and assist in the development of "advanced-baseload energy projects," which are defined as facilities producing electricity from advanced nuclear reactors or hydrogen derived from coal or natural gas with carbon capture and sequestration. The division will provide technical assistance, act as a state liaison for federal energy agencies, coordinate permitting for nuclear facilities, maintain a registry of project sites, and administer an "Advanced-Baseload Energy Fund" to provide financing incentives like grants and low-interest loans. The bill also introduces tax incentives for these projects, including exemptions from sales and use taxes on construction materials and property, and a 20% investment tax credit spread over 20 years. Projects receiving tax credits must make efforts to enter into community benefit agreements addressing local hiring, STEM education, environmental monitoring, and emergency response coordination. Public utilities are permitted to form subsidiaries for these projects and can seek rate allowances from the Public Service Commission for development costs, with certain limitations on accelerated recovery and customer bill increases. The bill also allows these projects to be part of certified microgrid districts and to supply power to high-impact data centers, aiming to secure reliable, domestic energy sources and foster economic growth in West Virginia.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=942&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill