West Virginia lawmakers ponder what’s next for nuclear energy development

[Marlin]

West Virginia lawmakers ponder what's next for nuclear energy development

https://wvmetronews.com/2026/11/10/west-virginia-lawmakers-ponder-whats-next-for-nuclear-energy-development/

[Core Content]

West Virginia lawmakers recently convened with energy industry experts to evaluate future nuclear power development paths. The discussion follows the repeal of a long-standing plant construction ban and the state's withdrawal from a federal nuclear hub bid over waste management concerns.

Panelists emphasized that building a competitive nuclear sector requires establishing durable regulatory frameworks and protecting utility ratepayers. Officials noted that future small modular reactors could supply electricity to growing data center markets within the PJM region, positioning the historic energy producer for advanced generation projects.

State lawmakers gathered for interim meetings heard a panel discussion of about an hour and a half about how West Virginia could proceed with harnessing nuclear energy.

West Virginia earlier this year was named a late-breaking finalist for a federally-designated nuclear hub and then withdrew from consideration over the sensitive question of handling nuclear waste.

West Virginia officials repealed a quarter-century-old ban on nuclear power plant construction in February 2022, and so now the state is considering where to go from here.

Read the full article at WV MetroNews:
https://wvmetronews.com/2026/11/10/west-virginia-lawmakers-ponder-whats-next-for-nuclear-energy-development/