This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to restore local control and regulatory authority to counties and municipalities over certified microgrid district projects and certified high-impact data center projects. It removes previous provisions that prohibited local governments from enacting or enforcing regulations related to the creation, operation, and development of these projects. Specifically, the bill deletes language that asserted the Legislature's intent to occupy the entire field of regulation for these projects, thereby allowing local entities to implement their own laws and regulations concerning certified microgrid districts and data centers.

Additionally, the bill establishes that despite the certification of a microgrid district or data center, the owners and operators of these projects are still required to comply with local taxes, fees, and regulations, similar to any other business within the municipality. The bill also empowers the Department of Commerce, along with other state departments, to support the development of these projects, including infrastructure improvements. Overall, the legislation aims to balance state support for economic development with local governance and regulatory authority.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5B-2-21b