Energy: Gov. Justice should sign solar power bill
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West Virginia lawmakers did an important thing for our state's economy this week when both houses passed Senate Bill 583, which "provides power companies the opportunity for expedited cost recovery when installing a solar facility upon application to the (Public Service Commission)," according to House Judiciary Committee Vice Chairman Moore Capito, R-Kanawha. In other words, the bill encourages more development of renewable -- particularly solar -- energy resources in our state.
Some lawmakers in coal country have been obstinately, intentionally wrong about what the bill might do. It will not threaten the fossil fuel industry, it will only give us more options. It diversifies both our energy portfolio and our economy. Those are very good things.
Still, "To me, this is worshipping at the feet of the emperor with no clothes," wailed Delegate Terry Waxman, R-Harrison.
Economists and those actually on the ground in coal country understand it is, in fact, the coal industry that is showing a little more skin these days -- and while it will remain a vital part of our economy, will never regain the strength or overwhelming financial impact it once had in West Virginia. The industry has changed. Very few people truly think it will ever again reach the size and might it once had, no matter what a few manipulative politicians hope they can get us to believe.
We are doing the people of this state a disservice if we ask them to remain chained to the way things have always been done, rather than look to the best ways to do them in the future.
Delegate Lisa Zukoff, D-Marshall, a coal county representative, realizes that.
"I'm all about my coal miners and protecting our coal jobs as long as possible, but the writing is on the wall," she said. "I think there is room in West Virginia for all of these energy types."
Of course there is. Assuming coal company owner Gov. Jim Justice signs the bill into law, it will only enhance our state's economy and bring more opportunities for our workers. Thank goodness the majority of our lawmakers understood that.