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West VirginiaHB 53812026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relating to developing a comprehensive energy development policy and plan for the Office of Energy

Sponsored By: Roger Hanshaw (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§5B-2A-1§5B-2A-3§5B-2A-4§5B-2A-9§5B-2A-10§5B-2A-12§5B-2A-14§5B-2F-1§5B-2F-1A§5B-2F-2§5B-2F-2A§5B-2F-2B§5B-2F-3§5B-2F-4§5B-2F-5§5B-2H-2§5B-2J-2§5B-2N-1§5B-2N-1A§5B-2N-2§5B-2N-2B§5B-2N-3§5B-2N-4§5B-2N-4A§5B-2N-5§5B-2N-6§5B-2O-1§5B-2O-2§5B-2O-3§5B-2O-4§5D-1-1§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

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Post-mining land plans for counties

The Coalfield Community Development Program now sits inside the Office of Energy. Counties with surface mining must create master land use plans for post‑mining uses like energy, housing, roads, and parks. Plans made after July 1, 2026 need a public comment period, and the Office and DEP review them. Existing plans are reviewed by July 1, 2027; new plans get a decision within three months. Reviews happen every three years, and updates are due six months before each review. Counties may accept donated post‑mining land only if the use fits neighbors, meets market demand, has needed infrastructure, has agency support, qualifies for bond release, and is feasible. The Office will set rules for valuing property and plan standards. Some plan and land‑acceptance parts start only after bond‑release rules are adopted.

Faster approval at energy project sites

The Office of Energy finds and designates sites near fuel supplies, transmission lines, and within air quality limits. For projects at a designated site, the Public Service Commission must hold hearings and issue a final order within 270 days of filing. The Office may hire experts to model and check emissions as needed. Counties and cities can apply to be named an Energy‑Ready Community by holding public meetings, having at least one designated site, and passing a local resolution.

State energy plan through 2050

The Office of Energy sets a statewide energy policy across all fuel types. It favors baseload power and lets coal plants keep running through at least 2050. The goal is to grow baseload capacity from 16 gigawatts to at least 50 gigawatts by 2050. The Office must deliver a five‑year energy development plan by December 1, 2026 and update it every five years. The Office may hold regular meetings with industry, utilities, mineral owners, and citizens to get input.

Surface mine operators must share plans

If you operate a surface mine, you must give the Office of Energy maps of the permit area, the names of surface and mineral owners, and a statement of planned post‑mining land use when asked. This supports county and state planning and reclamation.

Less public access to planning records

Documents used to prepare the statewide energy policy and five‑year plan are exempt from West Virginia’s public records law. The Office and other public bodies do not have to release these planning materials.

Energy security plan and drills

The Office of Energy creates a State Energy Security Plan by December 1, 2026 and updates it every five years. The plan maps energy providers, key risks (including cyber), and who does what in an emergency. The Office runs an energy emergency drill by July 1, 2027 and then every two years, with 30 days’ advance notice to participants. Within 30 days after each drill, the Office sends a confidential report with fixes to the Governor and lawmakers. The security plan and drill information are confidential and exempt from public records law.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Roger Hanshaw

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Sean Hornbuckle

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 410 • No: 93

House vote • 3/14/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 704)

Yes: 91 • No: 5

House vote • 3/14/2026

Motion for previous question adopted (Roll No. 703)

Yes: 63 • No: 33

House vote • 3/14/2026

Motion for previous question adopted (Roll No. 702)

Yes: 56 • No: 34

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 697)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

House vote • 3/2/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 245)

Yes: 92 • No: 3

House vote • 3/2/2026

Motion for previous question adopted (Roll No. 244)

Yes: 75 • No: 18

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 3/27/2026

    3/30/2026House

  2. To Governor 3/25/26

    3/25/2026House

  3. On 3rd reading with right to amend

    3/14/2026Senate

  4. Read 3rd time

    3/14/2026Senate

  5. Committee amendment withdrawn by unanimous consent

    3/14/2026Senate

  6. Floor amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/14/2026Senate

  7. Passed Senate (Roll No. 697)

    3/14/2026Senate

  8. Com. title amendment withdrawn by unanimous consent

    3/14/2026Senate

  9. Title amendment adopted

    3/14/2026Senate

  10. Senate requests House to concur

    3/14/2026Senate

  11. House received Senate message

    3/14/2026House

  12. Motion for previous question adopted (Roll No. 702)

    3/14/2026House

  13. Motion for previous question adopted (Roll No. 703)

    3/14/2026House

  14. House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 704)

    3/14/2026House

  15. Communicated to Senate

    3/14/2026House

  16. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026House

  17. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  18. To Governor 3/25/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  19. Approved by Governor 3/27/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  20. Approved by Governor 3/27/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  21. Reported do pass

    3/13/2026Senate

  22. Immediate consideration

    3/13/2026Senate

  23. Read 2nd time

    3/13/2026Senate

  24. Reported do pass, with amendment and title amendment

    3/10/2026Senate

  25. Immediate consideration

    3/10/2026Senate

Bill Text

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