Certified Microgrid Program

HB 5611 creates a "Certified Microgrid Program" to streamline development of microgrid projects and large data centers in West Virginia. It directly affects data center developers and microgrid operators by prohibiting local governments from applying zoning, building permits, or other local regulations to these certified projects. The bill requires the Department of Commerce to appoint a "Data Economy Liaison" to coordinate project development and mandates that certified projects pay standard municipal business taxes. This law overrides local ordinances and home rule authority to ensure uniform state-level support for these projects.