Reenergize Southwest
On April 15, 2021, Governor Northam signed HB1899/SB1252 into law. This legislation repealed the Coal Employment and Production Incentive Tax Credit and the Coalfield Employment Enhancement Tax Credit. Additionally, the legislation tasked the Virginia Department of Energy with leading a workgroup to offer recommendations on how the Commonwealth can provide economic transition support to the coalfield region. (Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell and Wise.)
The workgroup focused on workforce redevelopment, economic diversification, reclamation of coal-impacted lands and brownfields, community revitalization, infrastructure improvements and clean energy development. The final report was provided to the General Assembly on December 1, 2021.
View the final Reenergize Southwest report
The Virginia Department of Energy believes public participation is critical for the success of this initiative, known as Reenergize Southwest. The agency conducted three in-person public meetings across the coalfields. Archives of those meetings can be found below.
Reenergize Southwest Virginia Listening Session One
Watch the recording HERE
Reenergize Southwest Virginia Listening Session Two
Watch the recording HERE
Reenergize Southwest Virginia Listening Session Three
Watch the recording HERE
