W.Va. lawmakers consider repealing ban on nuclear energy
January 28, 2022
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) Two bills are making their way through the West Virginia Capitol that would repeal the state’s current ban on nuclear power plants, potentially opening the door for a nuclear energy company to set up shop.
Like most bills, there are two sides to the story.
Looking through the lens of how to bring more jobs to West Virginia, Brian Dayton, with the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, sees nuclear power plants in the state’s future.
“We want to make sure we don’t have any prohibitions that West Virginia is not in the game when those economic development opportunities come to our state,” Dayton said. “As this technology continues to evolve, we want to make sure we haven’t blocked ourselves out of the game.”
Currently, West Virginia is blocked out of the game. Since 1996, there has been a statewide ban on nuclear power plants.
Two bills, including House Bill 2882, sponsored by Del. Brandon Steele, R-Raleigh, works to change that situation.
“Technology has vastly changed over the years, and I think it’s time we revisit that,” Steele said.
According to the Nuclear Energy Institute, nearly 100,000 Americans work at a nuclear facility. There are currently 62 active nuclear power plants in America, with some located in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Virginia.
“We support an ‘all of the above’ energy strategy, and it’s time to repeal this antiquated ban of nuclear energy in West Virginia,” Dayton said.
Kentucky recently ended its ban, leaving 13 states, including West Virginia, with restrictions.
Many people, such as Kanawha County resident Jeremy Brannon, hope it stays that way.
“It’s expensive, dirty energy. There’s nothing cheap about it,” Brannon said.
Pam Nixon, West Virginia’s NAACP chair, agrees.
“West Virginia already is number 50 when it comes to health issues,” Nixon said. “We need cleaner energy rather than bringing in another energy that could degrade our air, land and water.”
Dayton said nuclear plants are heavily regulated, plus much safer and greener than you might think.
“They follow environmental laws. It’s a clean energy source. It’s used widely around the United States along with many other countries. We have the utmost faith that if it’s put in place here in West Virginia, everything will be fine,” Dayton said.
It is not uncommon for two similar bills to concurrently work through each chamber. The Senate already passed its version of the bill. The House will hold its second reading next week.
Story by Danielle Dindak