Two significant tax breaks for the coal industry are currently moving through the West Virginia Legislature, and together they could cost nearly $100 million in state coal severance tax revenue annually. HB 3133 would enable the state’s coal producers and processors to reduce their severance tax responsibilities by 20 percent annually, by allowing them to…
Energy & Environment
West Virginia MetroNews - West Virginia officials excitedly announced a major green energy manufacturer last week, but there are still financial aspects of the project to pin down. Read the full article. In all, the Form Energy battery plant proposed for Hancock County is meant to result in 750 jobs and is a $760 million…
AP, 95.5WSB - The sprawling economic package passed by the U.S. Senate this week has a certain West Virginia flavor. Read the full article. The package, passed with no Republican votes, could be read largely as an effort to help West Virginia look to the future without turning away entirely from its roots. The bill…
Earlier this month, the U.S. Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act and the House is expected to quickly follow. This new legislation marks the most significant national climate bill ever passed, while also improving access to affordable health care, creating jobs in manufacturing and clean energy, and putting downward pressure on the inflation and rising…
Huntington Herald-Dispatch - Appalachian climate groups are making another push for federal climate action as time grows short on Congress’ window to pass clean energy and climate legislation before midterm elections that could keep that window shut for the foreseeable future. Read the full article. Forty Appalachian and national organizations signed a letter addressed to…
Charleston Gazette-Mail - As we emerge from the pandemic, it’s a good time to take stock of what we’ve learned. Read the full op-ed. A big takeaway from the past two years is that government response matters. From the Paycheck Protection Program to the rollout of lifesaving vaccines, federal investments helped keep families and businesses…
Common Dreams, Raw Story, Salon, Scheer Post - Organizers of the "Coal Baron Blockade" protest which targeted right-wing Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin's coal empire Saturday afternoon reported that state police almost immediately began arresting campaigners who assembled in Grant Town, West Virginia. Read the full article. "Sen. Joe Manchin's policies hurt poor people and hurt our…
Charleston Gazette-Mail - The West Virginia House of Delegates on Thursday delayed a vote on a bill that would set up a mining mutual insurance company with $50 million in taxpayer money to provide alternative bonding for coal mine operators. Read the full article. The House postponed action one day on Senate Bill 1, three…
Charleston Gazette-Mail - A bill nearing passage in the West Virginia House of Delegates that would set up an insurance company with $50 million in taxpayer money to provide alternative bonding for coal mine operators drew opposition from nearly all speakers at a public hearing Monday. Read the full article. Environmentalists and other concerned citizens…
Mountain State Spotlight - Last summer, House of Delegates leaders from both parties announced a key new panel of lawmakers they promised was “dedicated to developing proposals to help revitalize West Virginia’s communities.” Read the full article. The group traveled the state, hosting meetings and asking residents for ideas on how to help communities struggling from the…