Gov. Morrisey announces priorities for W.Va. economy with energy leading the way
January 24, 2025
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — New West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey outlined efforts to win a “Backyard Brawl” with neighboring states and energy is at the top of his list.
“We came up with an idea to have a really specific focus on energy, infrastructure and competitiveness,” Morrisey said during a news conference Thursday.
Morrisey named deputy chief of staff Todd Johnston, a public policy professional with a background in energy, to serve as West Virginia’s Energy, Infrastructure, and Competitiveness Director.
The governor said he wants to develop a strategic vision for making West Virginia more attractive to businesses. Part of that, he concedes, is recognizing the state is at or near the bottom of many economic yardsticks.
Business leaders were upbeat that at least it appears that the government is taking a realistic look at West Virginia for a change. Steve Roberts, with the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, said the move is overdue.
“I think this is a fantastic announcement for West Virginia,” Roberts said. “For so long we have needed to take a look at the data. We have needed to see how we’re doing in comparison to the states that surround us.”
Morrisey also announced plans for a CEO summit to stimulate the economy.
President of the West Virginia Manufacturing Association, Bill Bisset said the state has seen “tremendous growth.”
“Nucor, Timet and Forum Energy. We’re hoping those dollars are still coming to West Virginia because they’re probably going to go somewhere. We want them to come here.” Bisset said. “That said, it could be a factor to us in the development of these new businesses.”
Morrisey sees President Trump’s energy policies as a plus for the state and wants to build a partnership with his administration, but he’s still trying to “unpack” what the president’s executive order to government agencies stopping payments under the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will do to major West Virginia industrial development in the Ohio Valley.
“We are having conversations with the Trump administration already, but I think you are going to see more and more. Part of it is unpacking what all these changes in the regulations do and also who are benefitting from those to reach out for us,” Morrisey explained.
It appears more than 84% of grants under the IRA – about $97 billion – had been committed before Trump was sworn in, but the executive order has created some uncertainty for companies that have not received the money.
The Trump administration is legally required to spend funds committed by Congress. In order to make sure Inflation Reduction Act money is not spent will require civil action for the new president, or an act of Congress to take away the funding.