Lawmakers Weigh Nuclear Energy Future
West Virginia legislators heard a panel discussion on how the state could pursue nuclear power after withdrawing from a federal nuclear hub bid.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Nuclear
Live Poll
Should West Virginia allow new nuclear power plants to be built?
State lawmakers heard a panel discussion on how West Virginia could proceed with nuclear energy. The state had withdrawn from consideration as a federally-designated nuclear hub finalist over concerns about handling nuclear waste.
Why it matters
West Virginia has committed to tripling its energy output by 2050, and the state's shift from a nuclear construction ban repealed in February 2022 to active planning reflects growing interest in nuclear power. The panel's suggestions point to the state's potential role in advanced nuclear development as demand from data centers rises.
The panel discussion lasted about an hour and a half during legislative interim meetings, and the state's quarter-century-old nuclear construction ban was repealed in February 2022. The state's plans for nuclear waste handling and any renewed federal hub bid remain unaddressed.
The players
Bob Fehrenbacher
Republican delegate representing Wood County in the West Virginia House of Delegates, who led the nuclear energy panel discussion.
Glenn Davis
Former energy secretary for the State of Virginia who served as a panelist on the nuclear energy discussion.
American Electric Power
Major U.S. electric utility holding company that operates transmission and generation assets across multiple states, including West Virginia.
Dominion Energy
Virginia-based energy company that operates electric and gas utilities and has been involved in nuclear generation in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The details
Delegate Bob Fehrenbacher, a Republican representing Wood County, led the panel, which included experts from American Electric Power, Davis Energy and Infrastructure Strategy Group, and Dominion Energy, along with former Virginia energy secretary Glenn Davis. Panelists suggested the legislature publicly signal that the state wants to lead in nuclear energy.
Timeline
February 2022: West Virginia repealed its quarter-century-old ban on nuclear power plant construction.
Earlier in 2026: The state was named a late-breaking finalist for a federally-designated nuclear hub before withdrawing.
November 10, 2026: Lawmakers heard the nuclear energy panel discussion.
2050: The state's target year for tripling its energy output.
Big Picture
West Virginia's February 2022 repeal of its quarter-century-old ban on nuclear power plant construction opened the door to the panel's current discussion on developing nuclear energy. The state's move toward nuclear planning now follows that repeal, which removed the legal barrier that had kept construction off the table for decades.
The discussion could shape whether West Virginia becomes a site for new nuclear power and advanced reactor manufacturing, which could affect electricity supply and jobs in the state. Residents would feel any resulting changes in energy planning and infrastructure over the coming years.
The takeaway
West Virginia's shift from banning nuclear construction to actively weighing a nuclear future shows how quickly state energy policy can change when electricity demand rises. The unresolved question of nuclear waste will likely determine how far the state can proceed.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in Nuclear to see how states are weighing nuclear power options.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WV MetroNews.
Live Poll
Should West Virginia allow new nuclear power plants to be built?
