Governor Manchin noted the state's budget surplus, but said this is not the time to overspend.

"While we are better financially than our neighbors, we must remain cautious," he told lawmakers. "As a result is cannot recommend pay raises this year."

The governor introduced what he called the Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Act, which under his bill would place guidelines how much alternative energy is produced in the Mountain State. According to Manchin, at least 10 percent of the electric energy sold to electric customers would be generated by alternative or renewable energy sources. By 2025, the bill would require that 25 percent of electricity sold in West Virginia must be generated from alternative or renewable energy facilities.

WEB EXTRA: Watch Reaction from WV Lawmakers

Delegate Gerald Crosier (D) Monroe County

Delegate Mitch Carmichael (R) Jackson County

Delegate Pat McGeehan (R) Hancock County

Delegate Tal Hutchins (D) Ohio County

Delegate Charlene Marshall (D) Monongalia County

"Our bill will provide incentives to locate new alternative energy facilities in West Virginia, which will encourage the development of renewable energy resources and create jobs in the Mountain State," Manchin said. "This is within reach. With the growth of wind technology, by recycling waste heat from our industrial facilities, by cultivating biofuels like switchgrass, by harnessing the power of our rivers and the sun, and by expanding our clean coal efforts, we can meet our energy needs, create new jobs and improve our environment at the same time."

Manchin touted his administration's efforts to improve mine safety He also said other industries, such as chemical plants, will be required to undergo similar safety standards if his new proposal passes this year's Legislative session.

Relating to the bill, the governor spoke about last August's Bayer Plant Explosion in Institute, that killed two workers and left the Kanawha Valley on edge for several hours.

"While plant emergency crews and company officials were working to control the situation, for too long our own emergency teams did not have access to the plant or the information they needed to respond or share with the public," Manchin said. "That cannot happen again. That’s why I am submitting a bill that will require all industrial plants within our state to follow the same reporting guidelines for major accidents as our mine operators. The bill will require industrial facilities to provide access to emergency response officials and will establish a system of communication so our responders have the important information they need to ensure public health and safety."

Also the governor is proposing an extension of the calendar year, to better deal with the 180 day school year requirement. Manchin says he is proposing starting the school year one week early, and extending it one week later to better deal with snow and inclement weather days.