Lawmakers in the 2020 regular session of the West Virginia Legislature failed again to legalize Power Purchase Agreements but they did pass the Utility Solar Bill allowing the state’s two major energy providers to expand solar access, according to a recap by Brittany Patterson of West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB).
“I would say we made some incremental progress this year and that’s a good thing,” said Autumn Long, regional field director for the nonprofit solar advocacy group, Solar United Neighbors, told WVPB. “It does open the door for large-scale solar development. So, it is a landmark year in our Legislature in so much as leadership and the rank and file lawmakers are really recognizing the need for West Virginia to step up and get in the game with renewable energy development.”
Solar United Neighbors of West Virginia is a founding member of our coalition.
"It's a first step that I hope will encourage our state's leaders to really be open-minded about more renewable energy policy that can encourage this industry's development in future years,” Long said in the interview.