Establishing the Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026 to facilitate coke production and steel-making in the state

HB 5038, the Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026, directs West Virginia's Department of Economic Development to identify suitable sites for coal-fired electricity generation and coke production facilities near coal deposits, transmission infrastructure, and steel manufacturing locations. It requires state agencies to streamline regulations and review existing rules to reduce delays for projects using locally mined coal. The bill aims to support economic development by making it easier to build facilities that produce electricity and coke (used in steelmaking) within the state. This directly affects coal producers, steel manufacturers, and state regulatory agencies responsible for permitting and oversight.