June 6, 2025 - Sens. Jim Justice and Shelley Moore Capito, both R-W.Va., are backing a bill that would prevent state and local governments from placing limits on energy projects.

Justice and Capito, along with Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., have jointly introduced the Energy Choice Act.

The bill would “prohibit states and local governments from prohibiting or limiting the connection, reconnection, modification, installation, transportation, distribution, or expansion of an energy service based on the type or source of energy to be delivered, and for other purposes,” according to the bill’s text.

Office of Sen. Jim Justice

“I am an energy guy from an energy-rich state. I know how important freedom of energy production is — which is why I’m proud to introduce the Energy Choice Act of 2025,” said Justice, a member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

“President Trump has stated the need to unleash American energy, and this bill helps facilitate just that. We have too great an energy crisis in this country, and we don’t have the luxury of picking the winners and losers when it comes to energy production. Americans ought to have the right to choose what is best for their energy needs,” Justice said.

Shortly after President Donald Trump took office in January, the White House released a document outlining “President Trump’s America First Priorities.” It includes a section on the president’s plans to “MAKE AMERICA AFFORDABLE AND ENERGY DOMINANT AGAIN.”

Trump subsequently signed multiple executive orders to roll back regulations, promote domestic energy production and withdraw from the Paris Climate Treaty, marking a significant shift in federal energy policy.

Capito, who chairs the Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee, said America “needs more energy.”

“And our state and local governments shouldn’t discriminate against baseload energy generation that increases security, affordability and creates good paying jobs across the country, simply because it doesn’t align with their political agendas,” she said. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to prohibit restrictions on reliable energy that American families need.”

Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., has introduced a companion bill in the House.

“People deserve the freedom to choose energy that is affordable, reliable and proven — not be forced into rolling blackouts to please eco-activists who don’t live in the real world,” he said. “I thank Senator Justice for introducing this bill in the Senate and urge its swift action.”