Host Lindsey Gray speaks with West Virginia Delegate Clay Riley to explore how energy policy is shaping the state’s economic future during the 2026 legislative session. Energy has always been central to West Virginia’s identity—and today, it’s also a key driver of competitiveness, job creation, and long-term growth. Delegate Riley shares how lawmakers are approaching an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy that balances affordability, reliability, environmental responsibility, and economic opportunity.

In This Episode:

Why does energy policy matter so much to West Virginia’s economy?

Energy is foundational to West Virginia’s workforce, revenue base, and identity. As a major energy-producing and net-exporting state, West Virginia views energy policy as an economic development strategy—one that supports jobs, attracts investment, and positions the state to meet rising regional demand.

How is West Virginia using energy policy to drive economic growth?

Lawmakers are aligning energy policy with job creation and competitiveness by modernizing infrastructure, repurposing retired power plant sites, and ensuring energy reliability for industries like manufacturing and data centers that depend on large, consistent power loads.

What is West Virginia’s “all-of-the-above” energy approach?

The state is pursuing a diversified strategy that includes coal, natural gas, emerging technologies, and grid modernization. This approach balances reliability, affordability, environmental responsibility, and long-term economic growth—without relying on a single energy source.

What are Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs), and why do they matter?

Advanced Transmission Technologies allow states to move more electricity across existing transmission lines without building new rights-of-way. For West Virginia, ATTs improve grid reliability, reduce congestion, accelerate project timelines, and help export more power to neighboring states efficiently.

How does West Virginia protect ratepayers while expanding energy infrastructure?

The state is increasingly requiring high-load users—such as data centers—to bear the cost of grid expansions they require. This ensures economic development does not shift financial burden onto residential customers or small businesses.

What can other Southern states learn from West Virginia’s energy strategy?

West Virginia demonstrates how energy-producing states can treat energy as a competitive advantage—linking policy decisions to workforce readiness, site development, grid modernization, and regional collaboration to support long-term growth.

Why is regional collaboration important for energy policy?

Energy systems operate across state lines. West Virginia works closely with neighboring states and regional transmission organizations to ensure fair cost allocation, grid reliability, and shared economic benefit—recognizing that one state’s decisions impact the entire region.

Catch new episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.