West Virginia Proposes Permanent Fund Model for Resource Revenue

A proposal has been put forward to establish a West Virginia Permanent Fund, modeled after structures used in states like Alaska, North Dakota, and New Mexico. The idea is to invest a portion of eligible state severance-tax revenue rather than spending it immediately as it is collected. This fund would be professionally managed and protected by a constitutional amendment.

The proposal aims to address the finite nature of West Virginia's natural resources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. By investing revenue into a long-term fund, the state seeks to build financial assets for future generations.