“ We have been an energy-producing state for generations,” he says.“ Coal powered the Industrial Revolution. Natural gas expanded our reach. Renewables are growing. If West Virginia is going to remain competitive and continue leading in energy production, we must allow innovation. Removing the ban was about positioning West Virginia for the future and not replacing its legacy industries but strengthening its ability to remain an energy powerhouse.” exporting reliable power beyond its borders and strengthen the state’ s position by adding long-term, stable generation capacity.
“ Nuclear facilities require significant investment to build, but once operational, they provide predictable energy costs for decades. Fuel costs are relatively stable compared to fossil fuels, helping shield ratepayers from volatility,” Takubo says.
“ If West Virginia is going to remain competitive and continue leading in energy production, we must allow innovation.”
Historically, public concerns about nuclear energy have centered on accident risk and radiation exposure. The fission process produces radioactive fuel waste that requires secure and long-term disposal.
Under the 1996 ban, nuclear construction was prohibited in West Virginia until a permanent federal waste disposal facility was created. According to Preservati, the state is currently working in coordination with the NRC as it pursues Nuclear Agreement State status to ensure adherence to national safety requirements.
“ Nuclear energy is heavily regulated at the federal level,” he explains.“ While West Virginia’ s exact approach to spent nuclear fuel is still evolving, waste management would follow established federal requirements for safe storage, transport and long-term handling.”
In terms of safety, modern reactor designs— particularly small modular reactors( SMR)— have evolved significantly.“ SMRs are significantly different than traditional large-scale nuclear plants,” Takubo says. SMRs are small units that can be manufactured in modules and assembled on-site, requiring less land and lower capital exposure per unit. Their safety systems rely on natural forces such as gravity and convection to shut down safely without external power or operator action. Their smaller size further limits potential impact.
“ Any nuclear facility in West Virginia would be regulated by the NRC, which enforces some of the most rigorous safety standards in the world. Safety and transparency would be paramount in any future development,” Takubo says. From an economic perspective, investment in the nuclear energy industry could allow West Virginia to continue
Other economic benefits include the potential for highly skilled and high-paying technical and engineering jobs, manufacturing growth, workforce training, long-term investment, increased tax revenue for local communities and improved data infrastructure.
With the power of social media and a seeming resurgence in political activism, public opinion matters now more than ever, and it is helping shape the nuclear conversation in the U. S. and West Virginia. Recent national surveys show roughly six in 10 Americans support nuclear energy, with that support increasing as energy demand rises.
“ In West Virginia, the conversation tends to center on jobs, reliability and economic opportunity,” Takubo says.“ Our citizens understand energy because we have powered this country for generations. As discussions about grid reliability and national energy shortages grow, many West Virginians recognize that the state can continue to lead— potentially serving as the reliable energy backbone for other regions. The conversation is pragmatic. It is about keeping options open and maintaining our leadership role.”
Preservati says public engagement and stakeholder input have informed policy discussions on this topic.
“ There has been substantial support for creating a nuclear industry in West Virginia,” he says.“ The recent passage of House Bill 5381 by the West Virginia Legislature now allows communities to voluntarily seek Nuclear Ready Community designation, which means they want companies to know they welcome such projects. Education, transparency and community readiness remain central to future development.”
Takubo says West Virginia can learn a lot from other states that have moved forward with nuclear energy development, namely to lead with discipline and transparency.
“ States that have successfully developed nuclear energy did so with strong regulatory oversight, realistic financial planning and community engagement,” he explains.“ If West Virginia chooses to pursue nuclear in the future, it must be done responsibly, cost-effectively and with clear benefits to our citizens.”
As Mountain State leaders and laymen alike consider this potential next step in the state’ s energy legacy, it seems an all-in approach has been established.
“ Nuclear is not a replacement for the state’ s energy heritage,” Takubo says.“ It is a potential addition that could help ensure West Virginia remains an energy-producing state for generations to come.” •
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