Capito and Justice Highlight Energy Issues at 90th Annual West Virginia Chamber Gathering

West Virginia Chamber of Commerce 90th Annual Meeting and Business Summit Highlights

Date: September 2026
Location: Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, WV

Key Takeaways:

1. Energy Focus:

   • U.S. Senators Jim Justice and Shelley Moore Capito emphasized West Virginia’s vital role in energy generation during their speeches.
   • Justice stated, “There’s three ways for this country to prosper… and it’s energy.” He urged attendees to embrace the state’s natural resources, including coal, oil, and gas.

2. Bipartisan Efforts:

   • Capito is collaborating with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse on a permitting reform package aiming to expedite infrastructure projects.
   • She highlighted that lengthy and costly permitting processes deter investment, with an estimated $2 trillion sitting on the table due to uncertainties.

3. Proposed Reforms:

   • Key elements of the reform may include:
     • Narrowing judicial review processes.
     • Streamlining Clean Water Act permitting.
     • Reducing federal regulations affecting project timelines.

4. Data Center Development:

   • Justice encouraged support for upcoming data center projects, recognizing concerns over electric bills, environmental impact, and local governance.
   • He advised that responsible development would address community concerns while fostering progress.

5. Conclusion:

   • Both senators expressed optimism about finding common ground on energy and infrastructure issues, advocating for a balanced approach to development that benefits both communities and project proponents.

For more information, you can contact Steven Allen Adams at sadams@newsandsentinel.com.