April 11, 2021 - The W.Va. Legislature has finalized action on three of WVCA’s major legislative initiatives. These include:

SB 542 addressing coal-fired plants, http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_history.cfm?INPUT=542&year=2021&sessiontype=RS  

SB 718 revitalizing the “Investment Tax Rebate Program”, http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Text_HTML/2021_SESSIONS/RS/bills/SB718%20ORG.pdf and,

SB 677 updating and revising various mine safety laws were all adopted.

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Text_HTML/2021_SESSIONS/RS/bills/SB677%20SUB1.pdf

The pending amendment to SB 542 involving a community revitalization plan for former mining towns was removed from the bill before passage and another piece of legislation we’ve been following -- SB 492 requiring DEP to create and set bonding levels for renewable energy facilities i.e. solar and wind turbines was also passed.

All in all, it has been a very successful legislative session for coal and WVCA wishes to thank everyone who has been working with them over the past several months.  Special “thanks” to Evan Midler (Alliance), Dennis Watson (American Consolidated), Randy Cheetham (Arch Resources), Jason Miller (Appalachian Resources) and Bobby Hypes (White Forest Resources).

WVCA is working on resolutions and other issues and will provide a complete report next week.  As reported yesterday, a special session will likely be called in May by Governor Justice to work out the details on personal income tax elimination.