Establishing Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026
SB 424, the Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026, would amend West Virginia law to streamline regulations for coal-based electricity generation and coke production (used in steelmaking) by requiring state agencies to simplify permitting processes. The bill directs the Department of Economic Development to lead efforts in promoting these industries, with the goal of leveraging the state's metallurgical coal resources to boost economic growth. It states that developing these sectors would improve economic opportunities, stabilize electricity prices, and strengthen West Virginia's competitiveness with neighboring states. The legislation aims to address regulatory barriers that have hindered coal-related projects compared to other states.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 15, 2026
Last action Jan 30, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
Introduced Version
→
Committee Substitute
·
3 edits
MINOR
The bill was amended from an 'Introduced Version' to a 'Committee Substitute' version, primarily changing the bill's title and the specific agency responsible for implementation. The agency was changed from the 'Department of Economic Development' to the 'Division of Economic Development,' and the reporting committee was switched from 'Energy and Manufacturing' to 'Government and Finance.' Additionally, the bill's title was updated to reflect the 'Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026.'
Scope change
The scope of the bill's applicability changed regarding which government division is tasked with site identification and reporting, and which legislative committee receives the reports.
REQUIREMENT
The agency responsible for implementing the bill was changed from the 'Department of Economic Development' to the 'Division of Economic Development' throughout the text.
TIMELINE
The committee responsible for receiving reports was changed from the 'Joint Committee on Energy and Manufacturing' to the 'Joint Committee on Government and Finance.'
DEFINITION
The bill's title was updated to explicitly name the 'Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026' and clarify its purpose regarding coke production and steelmaking.
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
6
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Jan 30, 2026
Committee
To Finance
upper
Jan 30, 2026
Committee
Committee substitute reported, but first to Finance
upper
Jan 15, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
1 primary · 7 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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