HB 4491

This bill grants the West Virginia Public Service Commission explicit authority to issue siting certificates and certificates of convenience and necessity for advanced small modular nuclear reactors and micro nuclear reactors used for electric power generation, to the extent not preempted by federal law. The legislation clarifies that the Commission has jurisdiction to approve, deny, or partially approve these certifications for both the construction and operation of these smaller-scale nuclear facilities, and authorizes the Commission to create rules to implement these provisions. By specifically addressing advanced small modular and micro nuclear reactors, the bill appears to facilitate the potential deployment of newer, smaller-scale nuclear technology for electricity generation in West Virginia, while ensuring state-level regulatory oversight remains in place alongside federal nuclear regulations.