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West VirginiaSB 6482026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Strategic and Critical Resources Act

Sponsored By: Robbie Morris (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§5B-13-1§5B-13-2§5B-13-3§5B-13-4§5B-13-5§5B-13-6

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

State blocks local limits on extraction

Counties and cities cannot stop or limit extraction of listed resources outside municipal or urban areas. Local rules on siting, building, operating, or expanding these facilities are preempted there. State law, not local ordinances, governs these activities in non-urban areas. Businesses still need standard licenses and must pay property and sales taxes, utility rates, and city service fees. Projects must also follow the State Building Code.

What counts as a critical resource

The law defines which minerals and materials are “strategic and critical.” Examples include aluminum, lithium, cobalt, copper, rare earths, uranium, zinc, and zirconium. It also covers host material when these resources are recovered as a byproduct. Beginning January 1, 2025, more items can be added using federal critical-materials lists or a presidential decision. This definition decides which projects get the law’s protections and rules.

Environmental laws stay; state writes rules

Federal clean air, water, and public health laws still apply to these projects. Related state laws and rules under those federal laws also remain in force. The West Virginia Office of Energy must write rules to carry out this article and send them to the Legislature for approval. Businesses and the public can comment during rulemaking. The law itself does not set the detailed requirements or costs yet.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Robbie Morris

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Anne B. Charnock

    Republican • Senate

  • Vince Deeds

    Republican • Senate

  • Anitra Hamilton

    Democratic • House

  • Brian Helton

    Republican • Senate

  • Chris Phillips

    Republican • House

  • Ben Queen

    Republican • Senate

  • Rollan A. Roberts

    Republican • Senate

  • Chris Rose

    Republican • Senate

  • Patricia Rucker

    Republican • Senate

  • Randy E. Smith

    Republican • Senate

  • Tom Takubo

    Republican • Senate

  • Eric Tarr

    Republican • Senate

  • Darren Thorne

    Republican • Senate

  • Jack Woodrum

    Republican • Senate

  • Zack Maynard

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 300 • No: 12

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 681)

Yes: 30 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 680)

Yes: 30 • No: 0

House vote • 3/13/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 546)

Yes: 90 • No: 5

House vote • 3/13/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 545)

Yes: 88 • No: 7

Senate vote • 2/18/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 117)

Yes: 31 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/18/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 116)

Yes: 31 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026Senate

  2. To Governor 3/18/2026

    3/18/2026Senate

  3. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  4. Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 680)

    3/14/2026Senate

  5. Effective from passage (Roll No. 681)

    3/14/2026Senate

  6. Communicated to House

    3/14/2026Senate

  7. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

  9. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  10. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  11. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/13/2026House

  12. Read 3rd time

    3/13/2026House

  13. Passed House (Roll No. 545)

    3/13/2026House

  14. Title amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/13/2026House

  15. Effective from passage (Roll No. 546)

    3/13/2026House

  16. Communicated to Senate

    3/13/2026House

  17. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    3/12/2026House

  18. Read 2nd time

    3/12/2026House

  19. Amendment reported by the Clerk

    3/12/2026House

  20. Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/12/2026House

  21. On 1st reading, Special Calendar

    3/11/2026House

  22. Read 1st time

    3/11/2026House

  23. With amendment, do pass

    3/10/2026House

  24. Markup Discussion

    3/5/2026House

  25. To House Energy and Public Works

    2/20/2026House

Bill Text

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