WV HB5381

Establishes the Comprehensive Energy Policy and Development Plan Act of 2026, requiring the Office of Energy to develop a long-term energy strategy through 2050 emphasizing coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydropower, hydrogen, and geothermal sources

Sets goals to increase West Virginia's baseload generating capacity from 16 gigawatts to at least 50 gigawatts by 2050 and make the state the leading per-capita electricity exporter in the nation

Requires existing power plants to obtain Office of Energy approval before undertaking any decommissioning or deconstruction activities

Transfers the Office of Coalfield Community Development into a program within the Office of Energy and eliminates the Public Energy Authority, consolidating energy-related functions

Directs the Office of Energy to identify suitable sites for energy projects, develop energy-ready community designations for local governments, and create a state energy security plan with emergency readiness exercises