In the final days of the legislative session, Gov. Patrick Morrisey says he is closely monitoring the state budget and economic development legislation, particularly House Bill 2014. The bill encourages the use of coal to power microgrids that support data centers.
Morrisey claims it will support President Donald Trump’s national agenda and bring jobs and revenue to West Virginia.
The governor wants data centers here, both because they create jobs and because they consume a lot of energy.
Microgrids that supply energy could create a steady market for West Virginia coal, significantly increasing production. However, lawmakers must first authorize data centers to operate their own microgrids.
House Bill 2014 would accomplish this. However, Appalachian Power and Mon Power have expressed concern that it will raise customer costs by forcing the companies to use more coal rather than natural gas, which is cheaper.
Morrisey is urging lawmakers to pass the bill as part of a Trump-aligned national agenda, which he claims will position West Virginia for growth.
“These micro grids, this is built on what President Trump is trying to do to compete with the Chinese and use more coal and natural gas,” says Morrisey. “As a result, I urge the legislature to move forward with the Trump microgrid proposal. I believe it makes a significant difference, and I’m hoping that others follow suit.
Morrisey also praised the president’s series of executive orders signed on Tuesday, which aim to significantly increase coal production by loosening restrictions and resuming coal leasing on public land.
“President Trump is deeply concerned about American energy independence, and he understands that in order to compete with the Chinese, we will need more coal and gas, as well as to ensure that we are engaged in an information arms race with the Chinese. So I believe what he did [on Tuesday] is a good first step forward,” Morrisey said.
“We want to make sure that people understand coal’s future potential. I believe there is, but it will take a lot. We’re going to have to educate people about the importance of using coal in order to keep up with, or even outperform, and eventually defeat, the Chinese, who are racing to meet their information technology needs,” he said.
Legislators have until Saturday at midnight to pass legislation and finalize the budget.
