Tomblin’s desk next stop for energy repeal bill

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The first bill headed to the desk of Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin from the new Republican-led legislature is a measure to repeal the 2009 alternative energy act. The Senate approved the House’s version of the bill Tuesday on a 33-0 vote.

West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney said given the current climate the law currently on the books doesn’t make sense.

“It just doesn’t seem right that the second leading coal-producing state with the greatest coal miners in the world ought to have a state law that says we ought to make 25 percent of our electricity by other means,” he said.

The coal group supported the bill in 2009 when it was pushed by then-Gov. Joe Manchin. Raney said Tuesday it was a different time.

“There was an idea that we’re going to show this new administration in Washington that everything (forms of energy) can be done. We were taking the initiatives on our own. We really didn’t need a law at that point, but it was trying to be a public message,” Raney said.

Those against the law have called it “cap-and-trade” although it doesn’t have all of the characteristics of the measure talked about in Washington the last several years. Utilities have also said they’ve met the alternative fuel requirements the law requires in 2015 and have done so without raising rates on customers.

Raney said repealing the law is more about perception.

“We just don’t think it’s the right message to have out there and we hope that this sends a positive message to those who are working in the industry and those who are laid off with hopes that maybe we are going to get then back to work,” he said.

Gov. Tomblin’s Communications Director Chris Stadelman released a statement on the approved bill Tuesday evening:

“Once Gov. Tomblin receives the final bill, he and his staff will evaluate the legislation and look at proposed changes to determine what is in the best interest of all West Virginians,” Stadelman said. “If the bill continues to include provisions for net metering and extension of tax credits related to alternative energy, it is likely the governor will sign the bill.”





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