Solar advocates share ‘disappointment’ in Justice’s solar utility bill veto [Video]

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) – Solar advocates across West Virginia are disappointed following Gov. Jim Justice’s (R) decision to veto House Bill 5528, which would have enhanced solar energy capacity for utility companies, like Appalachian Power and Mon Power.

This bill had bipartisan support in the House and Senate.

However, Justice claimed he didn’t want this bill to limit coal-based energy production in the Mountain State, and that is why he vetoed House Bill 5528.

“I just vetoed a bill that was known as an AEP bill. First and foremost, I would tell you that AEP is a good company, at least I think, but really and truly what I believe is that what is going on with the higherups to try and shove coal to the background, I don’t like that,” Justice said.

Solar advocates said this justification was unfair and that West Virginia cannot be left behind economically.

“We were dismayed …