Environment (Conservation) in West Virginia

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 746: Establishing resident and nonresident wildlife viewing stamps

SB 746 would establish two new wildlife viewing stamps: a resident stamp for West Virginia residents and a nonresident stamp for out-of-state visitors. These stamps, purchased in addition to a standard hunting or fishing license, allow holders to view wildlife on state-owned lands and roads (including fire roads and gated roads) in a regular vehicle, excluding UTVs and ATVs. The fee for each stamp would be set by the Department of Natural Resources and require legislative approval, with revenue funding wildlife programs. The program would not apply to Coopers Rock or Kanawha State Forests.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 9, 2026

HB 5340: Establishing a new classification for managed timberland leased for substantial income

HB 5340 creates a new property tax classification for timberland leased for carbon credits, requiring the lease to generate at least $10,000 annually in carbon credit income. Landowners with 10 or more contiguous acres of timberland meeting the state's "managed timberland" definition (including sustainable forest management plans) can apply for this classification through the Tax Commissioner's certification. Once certified, the property will be assessed under this new tax classification for property tax purposes, with the classification remaining stable unless the land's use changes or the property's tax class shifts between Class III and IV. This aims to provide tax consistency for landowners participating in carbon credit programs while encouraging sustainable forest management.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Property Tax Conservation Forestry

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Feb 25, 2026

SB 996: Creating Jennings Randolph Lake State Park and Teter Creek Lake State Park

SB 996 designates Jennings Randolph Lake in Mineral County as an official West Virginia State Park, adding it to the existing state park system. The bill authorizes the Division of Natural Resources to manage, maintain, and improve the park, including entering cooperative agreements with entities like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for operations and recreation. It clarifies that federal jurisdiction over the lake and dam remains unaffected. The bill title mentions "Teter Creek Lake State Park," but the text only creates Jennings Randolph Lake State Park (the Teter Creek reference appears to be an error in the title). This change directly affects visitors, local communities, and park management authorities by formalizing the lake's status for recreation and conservation.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 11, 2026

HB 5439: Creaing a pollinator planting program

HB 5439 would create a statewide pollinator protection program under West Virginia's Department of Agriculture to support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The program requires the department to develop a plan with input from beekeepers, farmers, and conservation groups, focusing on planting pollinator-friendly habitats on private property and in state parks and forests. Key provisions include mitigating damage from invasive plant species, encouraging low-maintenance habitat creation, identifying educational opportunities, and leveraging existing state/federal grants for conservation. The goal is to protect pollinator health while supporting West Virginia's agricultural economy and beekeeping industry.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 4, 2026

HB 5190: Increase conservation funding by $300,000, with the increase only to be allocated based on the head count of cattle and/or large livestock

HB 5190 increases West Virginia's annual conservation funding by $300,000, with the additional funds allocated exclusively based on the head count of cattle and/or large livestock. This change directly affects land conservation grant programs, requiring that new funding distribution be tied to livestock numbers rather than other conservation criteria. The bill amends existing law to mandate this livestock-based allocation starting July 1, 2026. It does not alter the existing conservation criteria (like wildlife habitat or watershed protection) but specifies how the new $300,000 will be distributed. The change applies only to the incremental funding, not the existing conservation budget.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality Wildlife Tags Agriculture

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 14, 2026

HB 4149: Relating to warrantless entry of private lands

HB 4149 amends West Virginia law to clarify and limit when conservation officials (like the Division of Natural Resources) may enter private land without a warrant. It directly affects private landowners and conservation officers by adding specific restrictions on entry for surveys, inspections, or enforcement related to wildlife and natural resources. Key provisions include establishing clear limits on entry, defining the process for entering posted private lands, and clarifying rules about using surveillance cameras near such properties. The bill does not change existing conservation authorities but adds procedural safeguards for landowners. It focuses on concrete changes to entry procedures, not broader policy shifts.

Topics ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 14, 2026

HJR 16: Natural Resources and the Public Estate Amendment

HJR 16 proposes adding Section 23 to West Virginia's Constitution, establishing a fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment - including pure water, clean air, healthy soils, a safe climate, and preserved natural resources. It designates the state as a trustee responsible for conserving, protecting, and maintaining these resources for all current and future residents, including children. The amendment would be self-executing (enforceable without additional laws) and requires voter approval at the 2026 general election. It directly affects all West Virginians by embedding environmental protections into the state's foundational law.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Air Quality Conservation

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 165: Clarifying Right to Farm Act relating to regulation of honey bees

This bill clarifies West Virginia's Right to Farm Act to specifically protect residential beekeeping operations, ensuring honey beekeeping on private property is recognized as a permitted agricultural activity. It creates special vehicle registration plates for organizations promoting pollinators, with fees collected from these plates ($25 initial fee, $15 annual) deposited into the State Road Fund to fund highway beautification projects that support pollinator habitats. The bill also updates definitions to include "tropilaelaps mites" as a honey bee pest under the Apiary Act. These changes directly affect beekeepers, pollinator conservation groups, and state highway maintenance programs, while reinforcing the state's focus on protecting pollinators critical to agriculture.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Conservation Roads & Highways Vehicle Registration

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 20, 2026

HB 4516: Enacting Water Quality Improvement Programs In Counties By Conservation Districts

HB 4516 would allow West Virginia conservation districts to partially reimburse property owners for septic tank maintenance or repairs to improve local water quality. The bill defines "Cooperators" as any property owner with a septic tank (regardless of whether the property is agricultural or non-agricultural) and establishes a process for these reimbursements. It requires that funding be allocated to cover the costs of these programs. This bill directly affects property owners with septic systems in counties served by conservation districts.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 14, 2026

HB 4129: Relating to the prohibition of warrantless searches and seizures.

HB 4129 restricts the Division of Natural Resources' ability to enter private land for conservation purposes without a warrant. It requires law enforcement (specifically natural resources officers) to obtain a warrant before entering posted private land, using drones for surveillance, or conducting searches in open fields. The bill abolishes the common law "open fields" doctrine, prohibits surveillance cameras on private property, and clarifies that drone activity on private land constitutes a search needing a warrant. This directly affects landowners and natural resources officers by imposing new warrant requirements for property access.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Conservation Public Lands

All environment bills