The Strategic and Critical Resources Act has been enacted to promote the development and availability of essential minerals and materials in West Virginia, which are deemed vital for national security, energy reliability, and economic stability. The Act establishes a new article in the Code of West Virginia, defining "strategic and critical resources" and outlining the state's regulatory authority over their extraction and processing. It emphasizes the need for uniform statewide regulation and reserves regulatory power for the state and federal governments while preempting local ordinances that may restrict or regulate the extraction of these resources outside urban areas.

Additionally, the Act clarifies that it does not exempt operators from compliance with existing business licenses, property taxes, or municipal service fees, and it maintains the applicability of federal and state laws related to environmental protection and public health. The Office of Energy is tasked with proposing rules for legislative approval to implement the provisions of the Act. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the regulatory framework surrounding strategic and critical resources while ensuring that local regulations do not hinder their extraction and development.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15A-14-1, 15A-14-2, 15A-14-3, 15A-14-4, 15A-14-5, 15A-14-6, 15A-14-7
Committee Substitute: 15A-14-1, 15A-14-2, 15A-14-3, 15A-14-4, 15A-14-5, 15A-14-6, 15A-14-7
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 15A-14-1, 15A-14-2, 15A-14-3, 15A-14-4, 15A-14-5, 15A-14-6, 15A-14-7
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 5B-13-1, 5B-13-2, 5B-13-3, 5B-13-4, 5B-13-5, 5B-13-6