The bill amends existing West Virginia law to establish the "Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2025," replacing the previous "Coal Fired Grid Stabilization and Security Act of 2023." It aims to enhance the state's coal production capabilities, particularly in relation to electricity generation and coke production for steelmaking. The legislation emphasizes the need for regulatory alignment to capitalize on the state's metallurgical coal reserves and to promote economic development through the establishment of coal electric generation and coke production projects. The Department of Economic Development is tasked with identifying suitable sites for these projects and ensuring that they meet necessary environmental standards.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that outlines specific timelines and performance criteria for the Department of Economic Development. It mandates the submission of preliminary reports detailing potential sites for coal electric generation and coke production, with a focus on geographical distribution across the state. The department is required to designate at least one site for each purpose by the end of 2026 and to continue identifying additional sites annually for five years. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in a reduction of the department's spending authority. Overall, the bill aims to bolster West Virginia's economy by fostering the development of its coal and steel industries.

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