West Virginia lawmakers gathered in Charleston on Saturday following a summons from Governor Jim Justice to consider a potentially contentious energy bill that could benefit corporations. The timing of the session raised questions about whether current legislators or newly elected members could participate. By the end of the day, legislative leaders announced that the special session had been cancelled due to complications with swearing in new lawmakers. The bill in question focused on renewable energy and would have expanded corporations’ ability to operate in the state without costing the state money.
The legislation aimed to make changes to the state’s Certified Industrial Business Expansion Development program, which had previously attracted investment from companies like Berkshire Hathaway. The proposed bill faced opposition from utility companies and raised concerns about potential tax breaks for corporations. Despite a Republican supermajority in the legislature, lawmakers expressed a desire for a debate and more information before moving forward with the bill. Additionally, the Senate planned to vote on a new Senate President on Sunday following the primary loss of the current president, Craig Blair.
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