This bill seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia by establishing a comprehensive energy development policy under the West Virginia Office of Energy. Key changes include the transfer of the Office of Coalfield Community Development into the Office of Energy, the elimination of the annual report requirement for that office, and the repeal of outdated provisions. The legislation introduces the Comprehensive Energy Policy and Development Plan Act of 2026, which aims to diversify the state's energy portfolio by incorporating coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydropower, hydrogen, and geothermal sources. It empowers the Office of Energy to hold stakeholder meetings, develop strategies for energy sources, and requires existing power plants to obtain approval before decommissioning.

Additionally, the bill repeals the Coal Fired Grid Stabilization Act of 2023 and merges its elements into the new Comprehensive Grid Stabilization and Energy Security Act of 2026. It mandates the Office of Energy to create criteria for energy-ready community designations and develop a state energy security plan, while also requiring annual reports on its findings and recommendations. The legislation emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, property acquisition, and market research in energy development, and it exempts certain materials related to energy policy from the Freedom of Information Act. Overall, the bill aims to modernize West Virginia's energy policy framework, enhance energy security, and promote economic development through a more efficient and innovative energy sector.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5B-2A-1, 5B-2A-3, 5B-2A-4, 5B-2A-9, 5B-2A-12, 5B-2F-1, 5B-2F-2, 5B-2F-3, 5B-2F-4, 5B-2F-5, 5B-2H-2, 5B-2J-2, 5B-2N-1, 5B-2N-2, 5B-2N-3, 5B-2N-4, 5D-1-1, 5B-2F-1a, 5B-2F-2a, 5B-2F-2b, 5B-2N-1a, 5B-2N-2b, 5B-2N-4a, 5B-2N-5, 5B-2N-6, 5B-2A-10, 5B-2A-14, 5B-2O-1, 5B-2O-2, 5B-2O-3, 5B-2O-4, 5D-1-2, 5D-1-3, 5D-1-4, 5D-1-5, 5D-1-5a, 5D-1-5b, 5D-1-5c, 5D-1-6, 5D-1-7, 5D-1-8, 5D-1-9, 5D-1-10, 5D-1-11, 5D-1-12, 5D-1-13, 5D-1-14, 5D-1-15, 5D-1-16, 5D-1-17, 5D-1-18, 5D-1-19, 5D-1-20, 5D-1-21, 5D-1-22, 5D-1-23