HB 4985
Relating to strategic and critical resources, state preemption of local regulation, and foreign ownership and restricted commerce entities
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
House Bill 4985 aims to strengthen West Virginia’s control over strategic and critical resources, including minerals and materials deemed essential for national security and economic stability. The bill establishes definitions for key terms like ‘strategic and critical resource facility’ and ‘foreign adversary,’ and prioritizes state regulation over local ordinances. It also places limitations on foreign ownership and restricts commerce with entities designated as posing a risk to national security.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘strategic and critical resources’ and ‘strategic and critical resource facility.’
- Allows the state to preempt local regulations regarding the extraction and development of these resources.
- Establishes limitations on foreign ownership of land used for resource extraction.
- Prohibits strategic and critical resource facilities from being owned or controlled by entities on federal restricted commerce lists.
- Requires rulemaking to implement the bill’s provisions.
- Clarifies that federal laws regarding environmental protection and natural resources remain applicable.
- Specifies that the list of strategic and critical resources will be based on federal lists.
- Defines ‘foreign adversary’ for the purpose of the bill.
Who is affected
- Resource extraction companies
- Local governments (counties and municipalities)
- Foreign governments and entities
- West Virginia residents and businesses involved in resource extraction
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