The proposed bill aims to establish the Productive Energy Site Reclamation Waiver program within the West Virginia Code, specifically under the Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act. This program is designed to facilitate the conversion of previously mined lands into productive energy sites, addressing the need for flat land suitable for energy generation in the state. The bill outlines the criteria for application, including the requirement for new energy generation projects to generate a minimum of 10 megawatts of electricity. It also empowers the secretary of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to create rules for the program's implementation.

Key provisions of the bill include the granting of waivers to surface mine owners or operators from contour restoration requirements when they lease, sell, or deed their lands to new energy generation projects. The bill specifies that any bonds held for contour restoration will be released back to the mine owner in proportion to the restoration needs, and any outstanding financial obligations for contour restoration will be eliminated upon the waiver's grant. Additionally, the bill prioritizes waivers for sites where mining operations have ceased and allows for applications at various stages of the mining process, ensuring that the transition to new energy projects is streamlined and efficient.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-3-13b