September 10, 2025 Governor Patrick Morrisey Announces Comprehensive Energy Policy Framework to Make West Virginia Energy Dominant ...

WHEELING, W.Va. - Speaking at the West Virginia Energy Educational Forum in Wheeling, Governor Patrick Morrisey laid out the framework for the state's first long-term comprehensive energy policy. At the center of the policy is the Governor's "50 by 50" generation plan to increase West Virginia's energy capacity to 50 gigawatts by 2050 - an increase from the 15 gigawatts it currently produces.

"For generations, West Virginia has been the backbone of U.S. energy," said Governor Morrisey. "When it comes to energy, West Virginia needs to be out in front. We need sound policy to guide our development and use of our abundant natural resources."

The policy framework set forth by Governor Morrisey makes an aggressive push to make West Virginia a leading producer of energy while keeping electricity affordable, ensuring safe and reliable service, and providing local jobs.

"I recognize it is ambitious," said Governor Morrisey. "I recognize it will be challenging, if not downright difficult. But we have no choice. Just as our government did during World War II, we have the patriotic duty, the solemn obligation, to meet this challenge head-on."

In his address, Governor Morrisey detailed the future energy demands of the state and the country in the coming years, noting that PJM, a regional transmission organization (RTO) that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia, will likely need 110 GW of new generation capacity just to keep pace with demand growth and aging retirements.

"Currently, very few states within PJM can produce enough power to meet their own needs, much less export power to other states," said Governor Morrisey. "West Virginia is one of those states. However, while we are a national leader in per-capita electricity exports, we lack the existing generation capacity to meet future needs."

Governor Morrisey said he will work with the West Virginia Legislature, state agencies, and federal partners, as well as members of industry, education, and the public, to achieve these goals. His administration has already engaged the US Department of Energy and partnered with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to assist with crafting different components of the overall policies.

Governor Morrisey explained the four components of the energy policy, which includes the "50 by 50" Generation Policy, a Transmission Policy, an Energy Security Policy, and 25-Year Strategic Development policy for each source of energy in West Virginia.

"The foundation of this policy is Power Generation," said Governor Morrisey. "This plan focuses primarily on baseload generation from coal, natural gas and nuclear. It is critical to our way of life and provides a stable backbone to the grid, ensuring there is always a dependable supply of electricity."

Governor Morrisey ended his speech by acknowledging the challenge is daunting, but that West Virginia will answer the call to action.

"West Virginians do not shrink in fear," said Governor Morrisey. "Let's make WV the global energy powerhouse it was destined to be."

Governor Morrisey's full address can be viewed here.