West Virginia House Bill HB 4035

West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/26
• Refer: 1/14/26
• Refer: 1/15/26

Caption

Relating to providing a credit against the business and occupation tax imposed on coal-fired electric generating units to help off-set environmental compliance costs

Summary

HB 4035 would create a tax credit against West Virginia’s business and occupation (B&O) tax for coal-fired electric generating units. The stated purpose of the credit is to help offset the costs of complying with environmental regulations and other environmental compliance requirements that apply to those generating units. Based on the caption and available bill context, the measure appears to target coal-fired power plants specifically, reducing their B&O tax liability to ease the financial burden associated with environmental controls, permitting, monitoring, or related compliance expenses. The bill was referred to the House Energy and Manufacturing Committee, indicating it was being considered as part of the state’s energy and industrial policy framework.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend West Virginia tax law by adding a targeted credit against the business and occupation tax for coal-fired electric generating units. The practical effect would be to lower tax obligations for qualifying coal-fired power plants, potentially reducing operating costs for utilities or plant operators that continue to use coal generation. The measure would also indirectly affect state revenue by narrowing B&O tax collections from the affected facilities.

Sentiment

There is no recorded committee transcript or vote history in the provided materials, so no direct public debate can be summarized. The bill’s caption suggests a generally supportive posture toward coal generation and toward helping existing plants manage environmental compliance costs, which is consistent with a pro-energy, pro-industry framing. At the same time, the absence of discussion means there is no documented evidence here of formal support or opposition from specific lawmakers or stakeholders.

Contention

The likely point of contention is whether the state should provide tax relief to coal-fired generating units to offset environmental compliance costs. Supporters would likely argue that the credit helps preserve coal-based generation, protects jobs, and prevents compliance costs from making plants less competitive. Opponents would likely question whether the state should subsidize coal facilities, especially if the credit reduces public revenue or weakens incentives to invest in cleaner generation. No named stakeholders or recorded objections are available in the provided record.