CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – House Bill 2014, legislation to incentivize microgrid and data center development in West Virginia, became effective this month, and with it, the implementation of rules and regulations to maintain and strengthen the state’s coal industry.
Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association, said, “The bill will sustain demand for West Virginia coal, protect jobs, and preserve the economic stability of our mining communities, and through that, our state’s economy. This critically important legislation prioritizes coal for existing and new energy capacity and requires utilities to maintain their plants to operate at optimum levels.”
Hamilton said the new policy will extend the life of state coal-fired power plants, and through that, reinvigorate coal production in our region.
The West Virginia Public Service Commission, as required by the bill, recently ordered the state’s regulated utilities to update their Integrated Resource Plans to include a detailed plant upgrade and maintenance plan, improvement compliance schedule, and cost estimate for ensuring the operation of each generating unit through their planned retirement date. The supplemental integrated resource plan shall also include an analysis of the action necessary to extend the life of each generating unit beyond their planned retirement date.
As demand for electricity surges across the country – driven by artificial intelligence, data centers, and electrification mandates – coal’s dependability and affordability have never been more critical. HB2014 positions West Virginia to lead the charge by maintaining a robust and diversified energy mix, with coal at its center.
“This is exceptional news for West Virginia’s economy and workforce,” said Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association. “We congratulate Governor Morrisey, the West Virginia Legislature and the Public Service Commission for implementing the provisions included in House Bill 2014 which are meant to capitalize on the opportunities West Virginia’s coal resources offer to our great state. These efforts dovetail with President Trump’s Executive Orders to maximize the use of coal for economic prosperity, national security and energy independence.”
