Creating the Sound Science in Regulations Act

HB 2493, the "Sound Science in Regulations Act," requires West Virginia state agencies to base new environmental and health regulations on "the best available science." This applies specifically to rules about drinking water, air quality, hazardous substances, and waste handling that are stricter than federal standards or created without federal counterparts. The bill defines "best available science" as reliable, unbiased research published in nonpartisan refereed journals, and mandates that such science must demonstrate a causal link between exposure to a substance and human harm. It does not affect existing regulations, federal requirements, or rules matching federal standards.