Per House Bill 1643 and Senate Bill 1121, the Virginia Department of Energy is evaluating policy options to encourage the capture and beneficial use of coal mine methane. The evaluation will consider the environmental benefits and economic development potential of the capture and use of coal mine methane. The evaluation will include an analysis of federal and state policies, including tax incentives, and programs that incentivize the capture and beneficial use of coal mine methane, impediments to coal mine methane qualifying for carbon offset markets and the extent to which such policies may result in a net reduction in methane emissions.  

Virginia Energy will be taking public comments on the study and the issue of coal mine methane capture through October 27. Those interested may submit their comments through the portal linked within this notice. 

Public comment will also be accepted in person on October 2 at 6pm at 139 Highland Dr (Room 115), Lebanon, VA 24266. The public meeting on the waste coal pile study that Virginia Energy is conducting pursuant to SJ 258 will also be taking place at this event.