Energy (Nuclear)

SB 942, the Advanced-Baseload Energy Development Act, creates a framework to support nuclear reactors and hydrogen energy projects that use carbon capture technology. It establishes a new Advanced Energy Division within the Office of Energy to coordinate development, permit projects, and partner with universities for workforce training. The bill provides tax incentives for qualifying projects, requires community benefit agreements, and allows utilities to recover project costs through rate increases. It specifically targets advanced-baseload energy projects using advanced nuclear reactors or fossil-fuel-derived hydrogen with carbon capture, aiming to leverage West Virginia’s energy infrastructure and workforce.

SB 1001 establishes West Virginia's Nuclear Lifecycle and Advanced Fuel Cycle Development Act, authorizing state-level support for federally licensed nuclear fuel activities like enrichment, recycling, storage, and transportation. The bill creates a Nuclear Lifecycle Development Fund to support infrastructure, workforce training, and matching federal grants for a "Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus." It explicitly states that state agencies cannot block federally authorized nuclear operations and requires all activities to comply with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission rules. The legislation directly affects nuclear energy developers, federal partners like the Department of Energy, and communities hosting potential facilities.

HB 4491 would give West Virginia's Public Service Commission (PSC) authority to certify advanced small modular and micro nuclear reactors for electricity generation, directly affecting utilities and developers seeking to build such facilities. The bill specifies the PSC can issue or modify siting certificates for construction and operation, as well as certificates of convenience and necessity, all subject to federal law not preempting these actions. It also grants the PSC rulemaking power to implement these provisions within federal law limits. This bill focuses solely on establishing the state's certification process, not on promoting specific reactor projects or outcomes.