SENATE RESOLUTION 35

(By Senators Nelson, Caputo, Hamilton, Jeffries, Phillips, Plymale, Roberts, Romano, Smith, Stollings, Stover, Swope, Sypolt, Baldwin, and Woelfel)

[Introduced March 31, 2021]

Recognizing clean energy’s importance to West Virginia’s energy future.

Whereas, West Virginia has a rich history cultivating domestic energy; and

Whereas, West Virginia can continue to expand in-state energy production by taking advantage of opportunities in clean energy, thereby expanding and diversifying our economic base; and

Whereas, Clean energy, including generation from renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydro sources as well as nuclear, clean coal technology, natural gas, and energy storage, is part of our state’s energy future; and

Whereas, West Virginia can invest in our energy infrastructure to include affordable, efficient battery storage technologies, and clean coal technology; and

Whereas, Over 10,000 clean energy jobs were here in West Virginia by the end of 2019; and

Whereas, Growing our clean energy workforce will also help grow employment and economic opportunities elsewhere in our state; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

            That the Senate hereby recognizes clean energy’s importance to West Virginia’s energy future; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate recognizes the value of clean energy, including abundant job opportunities, economic growth, energy independence, consumer choice, lower energy prices, and a cleaner environment; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That clean energy—including generation from renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydro power as well as nuclear, clean coal technology, natural gas, and energy storage—plays an important role in West Virginia’s diverse energy portfolio; and, be it

Further Resolved, That investing in an all-of-the-above energy approach to in-state production and development can help build a stronger, more diversified, and more resilient economy in the Mountain State.