The bill amends existing West Virginia law to establish the "Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026," replacing the previous "Coal Fired Grid Stabilization and Security Act of 2023." It aims to enhance the state's coal and coke production capabilities, particularly for steelmaking, by aligning regulatory and economic policies with the opportunities presented by new technologies and federal economic shifts. The legislation emphasizes the importance of developing coal electric generation and coke production projects to stimulate economic growth, improve electricity reliability, and leverage West Virginia's vast reserves of metallurgical coal.

Key provisions include the Division of Economic Development's responsibility to identify suitable sites for coal electric generation and coke production, ensuring they meet specific criteria related to proximity to coal deposits, transportation infrastructure, and air quality standards. The bill mandates the Division to submit reports on potential sites and outlines a timeline for designating these sites, with a focus on geographic distribution across the state. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in government agencies involved in implementing the act, highlighting the economic benefits of developing the regional steel industry in conjunction with coal production.

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