This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to consolidate energy policy development under the West Virginia Office of Energy, transferring the Office of Coalfield Community Development into this framework and eliminating the need for its annual report and sunset date. It establishes the Comprehensive Energy Policy and Development Plan Act of 2026, which aims to create a sustainable energy policy that incorporates various energy sources, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydropower, hydrogen, and geothermal energy. The Office of Energy is empowered to hold stakeholder meetings, develop strategies for energy sources, and require approval for the decommissioning of existing power plants, ensuring a comprehensive approach to energy management.

Additionally, the bill repeals outdated provisions and merges elements of the Coal Fired Grid Stabilization Act of 2023 into the new Comprehensive Grid Stabilization and Energy Security Act of 2026. It outlines the responsibilities of the Office of Energy, including the development of criteria for energy-ready community designations and a state energy security plan. The legislation emphasizes the importance of planning for coal-dependent communities and mandates the Office to assist in developing master land use plans. By streamlining regulatory processes and enhancing the state's energy infrastructure, the bill aims to promote economic development and ensure energy security in West Virginia.

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