The proposed bill, titled the "Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2025," aims to amend existing legislation to promote the production of coke and steel-making in West Virginia. It replaces the previous "Coal Fired Grid Stabilization and Security Act of 2023" and introduces new provisions that emphasize the importance of coal for both electricity generation and coke production. The bill outlines the need for regulatory alignment to enhance West Virginia's competitiveness in the coal and steel industries, particularly in light of anticipated changes in federal economic and trade policies. It also mandates the Department of Economic Development to identify suitable sites for coal electric generation and coke production, ensuring that these sites meet specific environmental and logistical criteria.

Additionally, the bill establishes a timeline for the Department of Economic Development to report on potential sites for coal electric generation and coke production, with specific geographic requirements for site selection. It requires the department to designate at least one site for each purpose by the end of 2026 and to continue identifying additional sites annually for five years. A failure to meet these requirements would result in a 25% reduction in state funding for the department in the following fiscal year. Overall, the bill seeks to bolster economic development in West Virginia by leveraging its coal resources for both energy and manufacturing sectors.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5B-2O-1, 5B-2O-2, 5B-2O-3, 5B-2O-4, 5B-2O-5