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W.Va. Gov. Patrick Morrisey Announces 'Grow West Virginia' Economic Initiative, Makes Targeted Investment in Mettler Packaging to Add 50 New Jobs
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, July 11 -- Gov. Patrick Morrisey, R-West Virginia, issued the following news on July 10, 2025:
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Governor Patrick Morrisey Announces "Grow West Virginia" Economic Initiative, Makes Targeted Investment in Mettler Packaging to Add 50 New Jobs
Charleston, W.Va. - Today, Governor Patrick Morrisey announced a new economic initiative called "Grow West Virginia" aimed at creating jobs and expanding opportunities for West Virginians. The Governor seeks to accomplish growth in five areas:
1. Grow paychecks by reducing or eliminating taxes and fees.
2. Grow jobs by helping
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CHARLESTON, West Virginia, July 11 -- Gov. Patrick Morrisey, R-West Virginia, issued the following news on July 10, 2025:
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Governor Patrick Morrisey Announces "Grow West Virginia" Economic Initiative, Makes Targeted Investment in Mettler Packaging to Add 50 New Jobs
Charleston, W.Va. - Today, Governor Patrick Morrisey announced a new economic initiative called "Grow West Virginia" aimed at creating jobs and expanding opportunities for West Virginians. The Governor seeks to accomplish growth in five areas:
1. Grow paychecks by reducing or eliminating taxes and fees.
2. Grow jobs by helpingour current businesses expand and attracting new businesses to the Mountain State.
3. Grow the free market environment by cutting red tape and being the fastest permitting state in the region.
4. Grow opportunities through vo-tech education programs and a focus on attracting jobs in expanding, up-and-coming fields.
5. Grow labor participation by getting able-bodied West Virginians back to work.
"This is about improving the lives of West Virginians," said Governor Morrisey. "With the Grow West Virginia initiative, we are going to have great jobs and opportunities, upward mobility, and a bright future here in the Mountain State."
As one of the first steps of Governor Morrisey's plan to grow jobs, he announced the formation of the West Virginia Jobs Initiative with $50 million to be used as targeted investments that fit into the state's overall economic development plans.
Mettler Packaging was chosen as the first investment of the West Virginia Jobs Initiative with a $400,000 targeted investment in their Moorefield facility, which will retain 120 current jobs and add up to 50 new jobs.
Mettler Packaging, a subsidiary of Papier-Mettler, is a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. The company first established its U.S. production facility in Moorefield in 2022 and has quickly become a major job provider in Hardy County. The company originally committed to 75 jobs within three years, and are now exceeding that goal with an additional 50 new jobs in the Mountain State when construction on the expansion begins next year.
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Original text here: https://governor.wv.gov/article/governor-patrick-morrisey-announces-grow-west-virginia-economic-initiative-makes-targeted
Pa. Gov. Shapiro Announces $4.5 Million Investment From Energy Storage Innovator Verne Inc. to Build Its First Manufacturing Facility in Lycoming County, Creating 61 Jobs and Growing Pennsylvania's Clean Energy Economy
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, July 11 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on July 10, 2025:
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Governor Shapiro Announces $4.5 Million Investment from Energy Storage Innovator Verne Inc. to Build Its First Manufacturing Facility in Lycoming County, Creating 61 Jobs and Growing Pennsylvania's Clean Energy Economy
The company, which has developed a process to improve the efficiency of hydrogen storage and distribution, is building its first manufacturing facility in the Marcellus Energy Park in Lycoming County.
Growing the manufacturing, energy, and innovation
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, July 11 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on July 10, 2025:
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Governor Shapiro Announces $4.5 Million Investment from Energy Storage Innovator Verne Inc. to Build Its First Manufacturing Facility in Lycoming County, Creating 61 Jobs and Growing Pennsylvania's Clean Energy Economy
The company, which has developed a process to improve the efficiency of hydrogen storage and distribution, is building its first manufacturing facility in the Marcellus Energy Park in Lycoming County.
Growing the manufacturing, energy, and innovationindustries is a key focus of Governor Shapiro's Economic Development Strategy for the Commonwealth - and his Administration has secured more than $25.2 billion in private sector investments.
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Muncy, PA - Today, Governor Josh Shapiro joined Verne Inc. Co-Founder David Jaramillo and local leaders to announce that Verne Inc. -- a California-based energy storage innovator -- will open its first manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. The nearly $4.5 million project will create at least 61 new, full-time jobs in Lycoming County and further cement Pennsylvania's leadership in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. The Commonwealth is investing more than $1.27 million to support the project.
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has made Pennsylvania more competitive and business-friendly, securing more than $25.2 billion in private sector investments and nearly 11,000 new jobs. Through the Commonwealth's first Economic Development Strategy in nearly two decades, historic site development funding, and streamlined permitting and licensing, the Shapiro Administration is delivering real results and attracting cutting-edge companies like Verne.
"Pennsylvania is making strategic investments to grow our innovation, energy, and manufacturing industries, and Verne clearly recognized that our Commonwealth is competing again because they chose us over Ohio, Michigan, and West Virginia for its first manufacturing facility in the country," said Governor Shapiro. "My Administration is proud to win deal like this that strengthen our local communities, grow our manufacturing sector, and position Pennsylvania as a national leader in innovation and job creation. We're competing aggressively for private sector investment -- and Pennsylvania is open for business."
Verne developed a process to increase the density of hydrogen by storing the gas in a cold-and-compressed state, making it more efficient to transport in larger volumes. Scaling up to commercial operations, the company will manufacture hydrogen storage vessels at its new facility in the Marcellus Energy Park in Muncy, partnering with local manufacturers to leverage their expertise in critical processes. Verne's storage and transportation vessels will help Pennsylvania expand its nation-leading energy sector, which includes an exceptionally strong natural gas industry.
To support the project, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) provided the company with a funding offer that includes a $1 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan, a $153,000 Pennsylvania First grant, and a $122,000 WEDnetPA grant to help train its new employees. The company can also apply for Research and Development tax credits, which could provide additional benefits.
"This investment in Verne is another example of how the Shapiro Administration is diversifying our energy sector while fostering innovation and supporting the Commonwealth's vital manufacturing industry," said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. "It also shows what Governor Shapiro's 10-year Economic Development Strategy is achieving -- firmly establishing Pennsylvania's status as a leader in innovation, economic development, and job creation."
Founded in San Francisco in 2020, Verne provides modern energy distribution solutions for sectors including construction, data centers, drilling, ports and more. Verne is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Army, and many major companies across the country.
"After conducting a nationwide search, we determined that North Central Pennsylvania was the perfect place to establish our manufacturing footprint. The proximity to key partners in the region was a crucial factor, as it will allow Verne to leverage their expertise to optimize our supply chain and manufacturing processes," said Ted McKlveen, Verne Co-founder & CEO. "This facility will accelerate our impact in delivering energy to power critical industries that are currently not being served by our nation's electricity grid."
"We are pleased to see Verne locating their first manufacturing operation here in Lycoming County at the Marcellus Energy Park," said Jason Fink, President and CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce. "Lycoming County and Pennsylvania are the perfect fit for this hydrogen sector development. We not only have the natural resources but also the talent required from in-state colleges and universities to support and grow with them. This is yet another example of how the local and regional economic development organizations work together with BusinessPA to get things done in bringing new industry to Pennsylvania."
"Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania is pleased to see Verne, Inc. expanding at the Marcellus Energy Park, and we look forward to continuing our support of their growth there," said Josh Bradley, Regional Manager, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania. "Their innovative approach to hydrogen storage aligns with our mission to support advanced manufacturing and clean energy technologies that drive sustainable growth in Pennsylvania."
This project was coordinated by Governor Shapiro's BusinessPA team, an experienced group of economic development professionals dedicated to helping businesses succeed in Pennsylvania through tailored guidance, strategic partnerships, and financial resources. Whether based in the Commonwealth, another state, or across the globe, the team moves at the speed of business to set up companies for long-term growth and success here in Pennsylvania.
Last month, Governor Shapiro announced the Commonwealth had secured a $20 billion investment from Amazon, the largest single private investment in the state's history.
The Shapiro Administration is delivering real results -- and building on that momentum. Governor Shapiro's 2025-26 budget proposal calls for new and expanded investments to advance the 10-year Economic Development Strategy and boost Pennsylvania's competitiveness, including:
* $12.5 million dedicated to WEDnetPA to expand our workforce and close critical workforce gaps
* $2 million for the creation of Career Connect to build internships at Pennsylvania companies
* $10 million for AdvancePA tax credits to create high quality jobs across PA
* $3 million to the Marketing to Attract Business program, which supports programs targeting business attraction, retention, and marketing initiatives
* Expediting the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) cuts by two years, reducing the current tax rate each year by 0.75 percent
The Shapiro Administration remains committed to meeting the need for new generation by getting more power projects built in Pennsylvania as part of the Governor's "Lightning Plan" to create jobs, reduce emissions, and ensure safe, reliable, affordable power for Pennsylvanians for the long term.
Supported by a broad coalition of labor and industry leaders, environmental advocates, and consumer groups, the Governor's commonsense energy plan will create jobs, lower costs for consumers, speed up permitting, and protect Pennsylvania from global instability by building more energy generation in Pennsylvania -- positioning the Commonwealth to continue to be a national energy leader for decades to come.
Read more about Governor Shapiro's 2025-26 budget proposal. Explore the Governor's 2025-26 Budget in Brief here(https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/governor/documents/2025-26%20budget%20in%20brief.webversion.pdf), or visit shapirobudget.pa.govto learn more.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2025-press-releases/gov-shapiro-announces--4-5-million-investment-from-verne-inc-.html
N.Y. PSC Reviews Petitions for Rehearing on Energy Initiatives
WASHINGTON, July 11 -- The New York State Public Service Commission, Albany, is evaluating petitions for rehearing filed by multiple intervenors concerning key energy efficiency and building electrification initiatives. The petitions, submitted on June 16, 2025, address the "Proceeding on Motion of the Commission to Consider a Clean Energy Fund" (Case No. 14-M-0094), "In the Matter of a Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Initiative" (Case No. 18-M-0084), "2026-2030 Non-Low- to Moderate-Income Energy Efficiency and Building Electrification Portfolios" (Case No. 25-M-0248) and "2026-2030 Low- to Moderate-Income
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WASHINGTON, July 11 -- The New York State Public Service Commission, Albany, is evaluating petitions for rehearing filed by multiple intervenors concerning key energy efficiency and building electrification initiatives. The petitions, submitted on June 16, 2025, address the "Proceeding on Motion of the Commission to Consider a Clean Energy Fund" (Case No. 14-M-0094), "In the Matter of a Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Initiative" (Case No. 18-M-0084), "2026-2030 Non-Low- to Moderate-Income Energy Efficiency and Building Electrification Portfolios" (Case No. 25-M-0248) and "2026-2030 Low- to Moderate-IncomeEnergy Efficiency and Building Electrification Portfolio" (Case No. 25-M-0249).
The Commission has confirmed that the petitions were timely filed within the 30-day period stipulated by Public Service Law (PSL) Sec.22 and 16 NYCRR Sec.3.7(a). According to the notice issued on July 10, 2025, the statute of limitations for seeking judicial review under Article 78 of the Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) is typically suspended for a petitioner who files a timely petition for rehearing under PSL Sec.22. This means that for Multiple Intervenors, the four-month period to seek review under CPLR Sec.217 will not begin until the Commission issues a decision on the rehearing.
The Commission is currently engaged in its review of the petitions. Following its evaluation, the Commission has several options. It may choose to reaffirm its initial decisions, uphold them with additional justification, or alter or overturn the decisions, either partially or completely. The Commission may also take other actions as it deems appropriate regarding the petitions.
For questions regarding Commission proceedings or to provide input, individuals can contact the Secretary to the Commission, Michelle L. Phillips, at secretary@dps.ny.gov or by phone at 518-474-4520.
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Original text here: https://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/Common/ViewDoc.aspx?DocRefId={3012F697-0000-CC2F-A5CB-C03066636047}
N.C. Utilities Commission Adjusts Fuel Charge Hearing Procedure
WASHINGTON, July 11 -- The North Carolina Utilities Commission, Raleigh, has partially granted a motion for procedural relief filed by the public staff in the matter of "Application of Duke Energy Carolinas LLC, Relating to Fuel and Fuel-Related Charge Adjustments for Electric Utilities Pursuant to N.C.G.S. Sec. 62-133.9 and Commission Rule R8-55" (Docket No. E-7, SUB 1313). This decision, issued on July 10, 2025, addresses how the public staff will present its position on Duke Energy Carolinas', Charlotte, fuel charge adjustment.
The case revolves around DEC's application for an annual fuel charge
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WASHINGTON, July 11 -- The North Carolina Utilities Commission, Raleigh, has partially granted a motion for procedural relief filed by the public staff in the matter of "Application of Duke Energy Carolinas LLC, Relating to Fuel and Fuel-Related Charge Adjustments for Electric Utilities Pursuant to N.C.G.S. Sec. 62-133.9 and Commission Rule R8-55" (Docket No. E-7, SUB 1313). This decision, issued on July 10, 2025, addresses how the public staff will present its position on Duke Energy Carolinas', Charlotte, fuel charge adjustment.
The case revolves around DEC's application for an annual fuel chargeadjustment, filed on February 25, 2025, a requirement for electric utilities involved in electricity generation using fossil or nuclear fuels. A hearing for public and expert witness testimony on the proposed Fuel Rider was scheduled for June 3, 2025.
Earlier, on May 29, 2025, DEC, the Public Staff, and NCSEA jointly requested that expert witnesses be excused from testifying, with their prefiled testimony and exhibits accepted into the record. The Commission granted this request on May 30, 2025, and directed DEC and the Public Staff to file proposed orders by July 7, 2025.
On July 7, 2025, the Public Staff filed a motion requesting to submit a brief instead of a proposed order, along with its Post-Hearing Brief. A corrected motion was filed on July 8, 2025. The Public Staff reiterated its disagreement with placing an approximate $11 million shortfall into rates but acknowledged that DEC's proposed order aligns with a prior Commission rationale. While agreeing with DEC's requested rates apart from the shortfall recovery, the Public Staff asked to be excused from filing a proposed order.
The Chair of the Commission found good cause to partially grant this request. The Public Staff is not required to file a full proposed order, but must submit specific language addressing its objection to the shortfall's inclusion while affirming its agreement with the proposed rates within one week of the July 10 order. DEC and other parties will have three business days to respond to this filing.
For further information, please contact the North Carolina Utilities Commission directly.
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Original text here: https://starw1.ncuc.gov/NCUC/ViewFile.aspx?Id=b3e0e53e-4c89-4e2e-90e3-c1b1bcf5e021
Mo. Elementary & Secondary Dept.: Eighty Missouri Local Education Agencies Selected to Participate in $49 Million Literacy Grant
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, July 11 -- The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education issued the following news release on July 10, 2025:
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Eighty Missouri Local Education Agencies Selected to Participate in $49 Million Literacy Grant
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is pleased to announce it has selected 80 early learning programs and public schools to receive funding and professional services through the U.S. Department of Education's Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant.
The five-year $49 million grant -- more than doubles the
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, July 11 -- The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education issued the following news release on July 10, 2025:
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Eighty Missouri Local Education Agencies Selected to Participate in $49 Million Literacy Grant
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is pleased to announce it has selected 80 early learning programs and public schools to receive funding and professional services through the U.S. Department of Education's Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant.
The five-year $49 million grant -- more than doubles theamount of the previous CLSD grant awarded in 2020 -- will provide statewide opportunities for early learning programs and K-12 schools to receive services and funds that directly align to DESE's Read, Lead, Exceed initiative. Services will include high-quality professional development for administrators, literacy coaches and teachers, access to CLSD literacy specialists, and family literacy support and resources.
"Literacy is one of DESE's priority areas, which makes this grant opportunity particularly exciting to share," said Commissioner of Education Dr. Karla Eslinger. "This grant will provide our schools and early learning centers with the resources they need to continue promoting literacy in Missouri. Literacy is key to getting our students on their path to success."
The Missouri CLSD program is designed to align with DESE's Steps to Success state literacy plan. The goal of the program is to build capacity across the state to develop, implement, and sustain equitable systems of support to meet the literacy needs of all children, from birth to grade 12. Additionally, the grant will help increase knowledge for local education agency leaders, educators, and pre-service teachers to advance evidence-based literacy practices and implementation for all children, from birth through grade 12. More information about the CLSD grant may be found here. The list of awarded early learning programs and K-12 schools can be found on the CLSD webpage.
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Original text here: https://dese.mo.gov/eighty-missouri-local-education-agencies-selected-participate-49-million-literacy-grant
Ky. PSC: Shelby Energy Cooperative to Implement Rates Subject to Refund
WASHINGTON, July 11 -- The Kentucky Public Service Commission, Frankfort, has issued an order (Case No. 2024-00351) directing Shelby Energy Cooperative Inc., Shelbyville, Kentucky, to maintain meticulous records as it implements its proposed rate increase, effective July 1, 2025. This action, outlined in an order issued on July 10, 2025, in the "Electronic Application of Shelby Energy Cooperative, Inc. for a General Adjustment of Rates", allows the cooperative to place its rates into effect subject to refund.
Shelby Energy initially filed its application for a rate increase on December 10, 2024,
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WASHINGTON, July 11 -- The Kentucky Public Service Commission, Frankfort, has issued an order (Case No. 2024-00351) directing Shelby Energy Cooperative Inc., Shelbyville, Kentucky, to maintain meticulous records as it implements its proposed rate increase, effective July 1, 2025. This action, outlined in an order issued on July 10, 2025, in the "Electronic Application of Shelby Energy Cooperative, Inc. for a General Adjustment of Rates", allows the cooperative to place its rates into effect subject to refund.
Shelby Energy initially filed its application for a rate increase on December 10, 2024,basing its request on a historical test year, in accordance with KRS 278.180 and KRS 278.190. The cooperative had proposed an effective date of January 1, 2025, for its revised rates and tariff schedules. On January 6, 2025, the Commission suspended the effective date for five months, until June 9, 2025, and established a procedural schedule for the case.
On June 24, 2025, Shelby Energy filed a notice, as permitted by KRS 287.190(2), indicating its intent to implement the proposed rates, subject to refund, starting July 1, 2025. The cooperative stated its commitment to maintaining records that would allow for refunds, should a subsequent Commission order require them.
In response, the Commission's order mandates that Shelby Energy's records be kept in a way that enables the cooperative, the Commission, or any customer to determine the exact amounts to be refunded and to whom, if a refund is eventually ordered upon the final resolution of this matter.
For further information regarding this case, contact the Kentucky Public Service Commission directly.
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Original text here: https://psc.ky.gov/order_vault/Orders_2025/202400351_07102025.pdf
Access to Justice Commission Announces Second Circuit Remote Appearance Pilot Program
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 11 -- The Illinois Supreme Court issued the following news release on July 10, 2025:
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ACCESS TO JUSTICE COMMISSION ANNOUNCES SECOND CIRCUIT REMOTE APPEARANCE PILOT PROGRAM
The Illinois Supreme Court's Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission), partnering with the Second Judicial Circuit of Illinois and Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, Inc., announced today the launch of a two-year pilot program on remote court appearances in southern counties of Illinois.
Land of Lincoln, a Legal Services Corporation funded provider of free civil legal services to low-income
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SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 11 -- The Illinois Supreme Court issued the following news release on July 10, 2025:
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ACCESS TO JUSTICE COMMISSION ANNOUNCES SECOND CIRCUIT REMOTE APPEARANCE PILOT PROGRAM
The Illinois Supreme Court's Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission), partnering with the Second Judicial Circuit of Illinois and Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, Inc., announced today the launch of a two-year pilot program on remote court appearances in southern counties of Illinois.
Land of Lincoln, a Legal Services Corporation funded provider of free civil legal services to low-incomeand senior residents of central and southern Illinois, and the Second Judicial Circuit both agreed to work on this pilot program. Land of Lincoln attorneys, including Pro-Bono and Judicare attorneys as well as staff attorneys, will appear remotely before Second Judicial Circuit judges. The attorneys and judges in these cases will then provide important data and information on these appearances so the ATJ Commission can learn more about the impact of remote court proceedings and whether they can reduce barriers rural communities experience in accessing justice.
"We at Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, as well as the attorneys in the community who do pro bono work for us, look forward to working with the Second Judicial Circuit on the Remote Appearance Program," said Diane M. Goffinet, Managing Attorney for Land of Lincoln Legal Aid. "We are pleased that the judges of the Second Circuit are demonstrating their commitment to access to justice for all by allowing remote appearances, thus allowing us to save time and resources that can be put towards helping more people with their legal issues."
The Second Judicial Circuit is comprised of 12 counties (Crawford, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White) and includes counties bordering the states of Indiana and Kentucky.
"The Second Judicial Circuit is committed to the Remote Appearance Pilot Program developed in partnership with Land of Lincoln and the Commission on Access to Justice. This pilot promises to bring essential legal services to more individuals navigating the legal process alone, a critical need in our largely rural region," said Second Circuit Chief Judge Melissa A. Morgan. "As many of our communities are at or below the poverty level, court participants often elect to appear in our courts without representation. This initiative will connect individuals with legal assistance in a variety of civil matters and provide litigants access to local resources and vital information. By permitting Land of Lincoln staff and volunteer attorneys to appear remotely for court proceedings, they will save time and travel expenses and will have the opportunity to reach across our expansive 12-county Circuit, providing a voice in our courts to unrepresented parties and truly expanding access to justice in the Second Circuit."
Over the course of the pilot program for the First Judicial Circuit, which took place from June 2021 to July 2023, Land of Lincoln lawyers appeared remotely for 467 proceedings, saving the agency 633.5 hours of time spent traveling to various courthouses and 18,432 miles of driving, resulting in cost savings of $11,626.83.
The ATJ Commission, established in 2012 by the Illinois Supreme Court, is focused on helping self-represented litigants, limited English proficient litigants, and litigants with a disability access courts while also supporting the judiciary and other court staff in ensuring justice for all.
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Original text here: https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/90451bfb-7a5b-4dbf-86dd-d893fa42443e/ATJ%20Commission%20Announces%20Second%20Circuit%20Remote%20Appearance%20Pilot%20Program.pdf
