HB 5611
Certified Microgrid Program
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes a Certified Microgrid Program in West Virginia and aims to support the development of both certified microgrid districts and high-impact data centers. It provides the West Virginia Department of Commerce with a dedicated liaison to assist these projects and prohibits local governments from imposing restrictions that could hinder their creation or operation. The bill also clarifies that water used by these facilities must originate from surface water sources, particularly important in areas with karst hydrogeology.
Key provisions
- Designates a "Data Economy Liaison" within the Department of Commerce to coordinate microgrid and data center development.
- Prohibits counties and municipalities from enacting ordinances that limit the creation or operation of certified microgrid districts and high-impact data centers.
- Specifies that certified microgrid districts and data centers are exempt from certain local zoning, permitting, and code enforcement requirements.
- Requires businesses within these districts to pay local taxes, sales taxes, and service fees at the same rates as other businesses.
- Mandates that water used by these facilities originate from surface water sources.
- Authorizes relevant state departments to take actions supporting microgrid and data center development.
- Allows the Department of Commerce to promulgate rules related to the program.
- References existing sections of the West Virginia Code regarding microgrid and data center certification.
Who is affected
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