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 the generation of electricity from coal in West Virginia. It replaces the previous title, the Coal Fired Grid Stabilization and Security Act of 2023, and introduces new provisions that emphasize the importance of aligning state regulatory and economic policies with the opportunities presented by advancements in coal mining and steel production. The bill highlights the need for coordination among agencies to streamline regulations and enhance West Virginia's competitiveness in the coal and steel industries, particularly in light of anticipated changes in federal economic and trade policies.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Economic Development to identify suitable sites for coal electric generation and coke production, ensuring that these sites meet specific criteria related to coal supply, transportation infrastructure, and air quality standards. It establishes a timeline for reporting on potential sites and requires the department to designate at least one site for each purpose by the end of 2026, with ongoing annual designations for the following five years. The bill also includes provisions for accountability, stating that failure to meet these requirements will result in a reduction of state funding for the department.

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