The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to create a comprehensive energy development policy under the West Virginia Office of Energy, which now includes the Office of Coalfield Community Development. This transition eliminates the requirement for an annual report and the sunset date for the Office of Coalfield Community Development. The legislation introduces new provisions that empower the Office of Energy to formulate a long-term energy policy that encompasses various energy sources, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydropower, hydrogen, and geothermal energy. It aims to enhance stability, efficiency, innovation, and energy independence while merging elements of the Coal Fired Grid Stabilization Act of 2023 into the new Comprehensive Grid Stabilization and Energy Security Act of 2026.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Office of Energy to develop a five-year energy development plan, which must be submitted to the Governor and the Joint Committee on Government and Finance by December 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter. This plan will outline the state's energy policy implementation, report on past actions, and provide guidance for the private sector. The legislation also emphasizes the importance of energy infrastructure, particularly during emergencies, and allows collaboration with various stakeholders to create effective energy policies. Furthermore, it requires the Office of Energy to conduct biennial energy emergency exercises starting July 1, 2027, and repeals several sections related to coal-fired grid stabilization, indicating a shift in focus towards a broader energy strategy.

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
Committee Substitute: 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-2H-2, 5B-2J-2, 5B-2N-1, 5B-2N-2, 5B-2N-3, 5B-2N-4, 5B-2F-1a, 5B-2F-2a, 5B-2N-1a, 5B-2N-2b, 5B-2N-4a, 5B-2N-5, 5B-2N-6, 5B-2A-10, 5B-2A-14, 5B-2F-5, 5B-2O-1, 5B-2O-2, 5B-2O-3, 5B-2O-4
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 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-2H-2, 5B-2J-2, 5B-2N-1, 5B-2N-2, 5B-2N-3, 5B-2N-4, 5B-2F-1a, 5B-2F-2a, 5B-2N-1a, 5B-2N-2b, 5B-2N-4a, 5B-2N-5, 5B-2N-6, 5B-2A-10, 5B-2A-14, 5B-2F-5, 5B-2O-1, 5B-2O-2, 5B-2O-3, 5B-2O-4
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 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-2H-2, 5B-2J-2, 5B-2N-1, 5B-2N-2, 5B-2N-3, 5B-2N-4, 5B-2F-1a, 5B-2F-2a, 5B-2N-1a, 5B-2N-2b, 5B-2N-4a, 5B-2N-5, 5B-2N-6, 5B-2A-10, 5B-2A-14, 5B-2F-5, 5B-2O-1, 5B-2O-2, 5B-2O-3, 5B-2O-4