Coal Based Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth

HB 2993, the Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2025, aims to boost coal-based electricity generation and coke production for steelmaking in West Virginia. It directs the Department of Economic Development to identify suitable sites near coal deposits, transmission infrastructure, and steel facilities that meet air quality standards, streamlining regulatory processes for these projects. The bill directly affects coal energy companies, steel manufacturers, and local communities by prioritizing economic development tied to West Virginia’s coal resources. Key provisions require agencies to review and simplify regulations hindering coal project approvals, with the goal of enhancing the state’s competitiveness in energy and steel production. This focuses on policy coordination rather than new taxes or funding.