Charleston Report with Delegate Gary Howell

The November Interim Meetings convened November 9 and 10 in Charleston, marking the first legislative gatherings since the general election. The meetings provided an opportunity to welcome several newly elected delegates who attended to learn more about the legislative process and begin preparing for their responsibilities.
It was especially nice to congratulate Delegate elect Les Mallow, a Keyser native who will be a welcome addition to the West Virginia House of Delegates. We look forward to working with him as he begins his service.
We also took time to say goodbye to several friends and colleagues who will not be returning for the next legislative session. These gatherings offered an opportunity to thank them for their service and the relationships built during their time in the House.

With the election behind us, our attention now turns to preparing for the upcoming legislative session and the important work ahead for West Virginia.
Our first meeting was a panel discussion titled “Fireside Chat on Economic Development,” featuring Toney Stroud of Marshall University. The discussion highlighted West Virginia’s economic progress and the opportunities ahead. After decades of challenges, we are beginning to see renewed growth across our state, giving us reason for optimism as we work to build on that momentum.
One of the most interesting topics was the tremendous potential of West Virginia’s aviation industry. A presenter pointed out that a worldwide shortage of aircraft hangar space is creating opportunities for airports with available land to expand and attract new businesses.

This is particularly relevant to the aviation Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) industry, which provides skilled, high paying jobs. West Virginia has airports with the land needed to construct large hangars and accommodate companies that service, maintain, and repair aircraft.
Our own airport in Wiley Ford is a perfect example. With land available for development, we have an opportunity to construct large aircraft hangars and position our region to attract MRO companies, bringing new investment and good paying jobs to Mineral County.

The Potomac Highlands Airport Authority needs to pursue this opportunity as soon as possible. The worldwide shortage of hangar space creates a window for communities willing to invest in the infrastructure these companies need. This could be one of those “if you build it, they will come” opportunities. We should begin exploring the facilities, funding, and other preparations needed so our airport is ready when companies are looking for space.
Another important issue raised during the discussion was the shortage of affordable housing. As our economy grows and new jobs are created, workers and their families must be able to find homes they can afford. One way to address this challenge is to reduce unnecessary regulations that drive up construction costs and make building new homes more difficult. Removing needless regulatory barriers can encourage private investment in housing, increase supply, and make homeownership more affordable for West Virginians. Housing availability must remain part of our broader economic development efforts.
Energy production was another major focus of the interim meetings. During the Joint Committee on Energy and Public Works meeting, the Gas & Oil Association of West Virginia outlined eight proposed natural gas electric generation projects representing approximately 11,000 megawatts of new capacity.

Of particular interest to our region is Dominion Energy’s proposed 2,600 megawatt natural gas combined cycle power plant at Mount Storm in neighboring Grant County. The project is going through the permitting process, with operations targeted to begin around 2033. The existing coal fired power plant would continue operating alongside the new facility, further strengthening Mount Storm’s role as a major energy production center.
This represents a tremendous economic opportunity for the Potomac Highlands, especially Mineral County. Construction of a facility this size would create demand for electricians, welders, equipment operators, construction workers, and other skilled tradespeople. Many of these jobs could be filled by Mineral County residents, providing good paying employment close to home. Once operational, the facility would also provide permanent skilled jobs and support local businesses throughout the region.

Along with expanding generation, the committee examined electric utility markets and the cost of electricity. Brad Viator, President of Power for Tomorrow, discussed West Virginia’s regulated utility system and efforts to keep electricity rate increases below those experienced in surrounding states. Maryland, in particular, has the highest electricity costs among our neighboring states. Abby Foster, Senior Vice President of the Retail Energy Advancement League, presented arguments for deregulating West Virginia’s electric utility market. That proposal raised questions because some of the nation’s highest electricity rates are found in states with deregulated markets. During questioning, we asked how deregulation would make electricity more affordable for West Virginia families and businesses when consumers in many of those markets are already paying substantially more.

Our priority must remain protecting West Virginia ratepayers while ensuring reliable, affordable electricity is available to support economic growth. As we consider changes to energy policy, we must look closely at their effect on household budgets and business costs. Expanding generation and keeping electricity affordable are both essential to West Virginia’s future.

The state’s financial condition was the focus of an update presented by Dr. Peter Shirley, Deputy Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Revenue, during the Joint Standing Committee on Finance meeting. His presentation reviewed revenue collections and the state’s financial position through October 2026.

The encouraging news is that West Virginia remains ahead of its revenue estimates for the fiscal year. Through the first four months of Fiscal Year 2027, the state collected nearly $1.79 billion in General Revenue, exceeding estimates by $54.4 million. Personal income tax collections were $16.4 million above projections, while consumer sales and use taxes exceeded expectations by nearly $26 million. These results are particularly encouraging following the personal income tax reductions enacted in recent years.

West Virginia also maintains substantial financial reserves, with approximately $1.46 billion reported in our Rainy Day Funds. Those reserves provide an important cushion against unexpected economic downturns and help protect taxpayers and essential services when revenue falls short.

Several areas still deserve close attention. October’s General Revenue collections fell $7.7 million below estimates, and corporate net income tax collections are running nearly $6.8 million below projections for the fiscal year. Severance tax collections are also down compared with the same period last year, a reminder of how quickly changes in energy markets can affect state revenue.
The overall financial picture remains encouraging, but continued fiscal discipline is essential. We need to distinguish sustainable growth from temporary revenue gains as we make budget decisions. Strong collections give us an opportunity to maintain responsible budgets, protect our reserves, and consider additional tax relief for West Virginia families and businesses without jeopardizing essential services.

At the Joint Standing Committee on Economic Development meeting, Jason Frame, Director of the West Virginia Office of Environmental Health Services, updated us on efforts to become a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Agreement State. This would give West Virginia regulatory authority over certain equipment and radioactive materials used in healthcare, manufacturing, and other industries. This does not involve regulating nuclear power plants or nuclear waste. Bringing these responsibilities to the state level could streamline oversight, reduce federal involvement, and make West Virginia more competitive for business investment. The process began in 2023 and could take several more years to complete. With $512,573 annually budgeted for four positions during development, we need to closely examine staffing, funding, and the responsibilities the state would assume. The goal should be an efficient, financially responsible program that protects public safety without creating unnecessary regulations or additional costs for businesses.

As always, it is an honor to represent the people of Mineral County in Charleston. If you have questions, concerns, ideas for making West Virginia an even better place to live and work, or need assistance with a state agency, please reach out. You can contact me at Gary.Howell@WVHouse.gov or call my office at (304) 340-3191. Your input helps guide our work, and together we can continue moving Mineral County and West Virginia forward.