The chairman of the Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee says he’ll seek to recuse himself from a bill opposed by his employer, Mon Power.
Sen. Chris Rose, a Monongalia County Republican, will ask Senate President Randy Smith to recuse himself from Senate Bill 505.
The Energy committee approved this bill last week, and Rose is one of its co-sponsors.
Rose is an engineer for Mon Power, which operates a coal-burning power plant in Monongalia County and another one in Harrison County.
At the Capitol Wednesday, Rose said he’d seek a Rule 43 ruling from Smith.
The West Virginia Government Ethics Act requires lawmakers to avoid conflicts of interest and seek recusal when appropriate, though they may not be excused from voting in every instance.
Depending on how Smith rules, Rose could still be required to vote on the bill.
“So, yeah, I’m going to ask for Senate Rule 43, but ultimately, it will be up to the Senate president to make that determination,” he said. “If he grants it to me, I’ll be recused. If not, I will be required to vote.”
Will Boye, a Mon Power spokesman, said in a statement that the company opposes SB 505, which would affect how power plants operate.
Boye said Rose does not represent the company in his legislative role and has been provided guidance to keep that role separate from his job.
Boye said Rose was responsible for recusing himself from legislation and matters involving the company. Mon Power will not lobby Rose, Boye added.
Brian Tierney, the CEO of Mon Power parent First Energy, told investors last month that the company plans to replace its two coal-burning power plants in West Virginia with gas plants.
Appalachian Power’s president and operating chief, Aaron Walker, has said SB 505 could raise electricity costs in the state.
Charlotte Lane, the chair of the West Virginia Public Service Commission said the bill was redundant. She told the Energy Committee before it voted that the PSC already has the authority to do what the bill says, but it adds to the commission’s administrative burdens.
The committee approved it anyway.
