SB 1040
Creating WV Energy Freedom Act
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, the "West Virginia Energy Freedom Act," aims to streamline the process for building new electric generation facilities in West Virginia, particularly dispatchable resources like natural gas and coal plants. It proposes eliminating the requirement for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for certain projects, shifting oversight to a simplified registration process, and encouraging investment in reliable energy sources. The bill also includes provisions for local permitting, environmental compliance, and grid interconnection, while maintaining safeguards for public health and safety.
Key provisions
- Establishes a registration process for new electric generation facilities (excluding those using intermittent power sources).
- Eliminates the requirement for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for certain projects.
- Requires compliance with environmental permits, local zoning, and grid interconnection standards.
- Creates incentives, such as low-interest loans or grants, for dispatchable generation facilities.
- Shifts oversight to the Department of Environmental Protection for expedited permit reviews.
- Allows facilities to obtain necessary permits without first obtaining a certificate of public convenience and necessity.
- Establishes a process for updating registrations biennially or upon material changes.
- Creates a fee for registration to cover administrative costs.
Who is affected
- Electric power generators
- West Virginia residents and businesses
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