Environment (Drinking Water)

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 16, 2026

SB 457: Providing water filtration equipment to residents whose water is deemed unsafe

SB 457 requires West Virginia's Department of Health to evaluate public water systems for unsafe contaminant levels and provide water filtration equipment or technology to residents in areas where water exceeds safety thresholds. It directly affects residents served by public water systems contaminated with substances like PFAS, bacteria, chemicals, or disinfection byproducts that pose health risks for drinking or bathing. The department must determine unsafe levels based on specific contaminants and other factors, then distribute appropriate filtration solutions. This program would be implemented through department-developed rules, subject to legislative approval.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directly addresses water pollution from contaminants like PFAS by requiring filtration, protecting public health from environmental pollutants per topic description.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 2, 2026

HB 4907: Restricting the use of pesticides

HB 4907 restricts the use of specific pesticides near schools in West Virginia. It prohibits applying pesticides containing paraquat, atrazine, dicamba, chlorpyrifos, 2,4-D, glyphosate, or PFAS chemicals within 1,000 feet of any school property. The law defines the 1,000-foot distance as measured from the school’s closest boundary point to the spraying area. This rule takes effect on January 1, 2027, directly affecting pesticide applicators working near schools.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRestricts harmful pesticides near schools, reducing chemical pollution and protecting children/environment from toxins like glyphosate and PFAS.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRestricts pesticides linked to health risks near schools, preventing exposure to harmful chemicals and aligning with public health protection under healthcare topic.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 21, 2026

HB 4642: Relating to establishing the West Virginia Clean Water Act of 2025

HB 4642 establishes the West Virginia Clean Water Act of 2026, directly affecting all public water systems in the state and their residents. The bill sets stricter drinking water quality standards exceeding federal levels, requires quarterly testing for contaminants like lead and bacteria with public reporting within 30 days, and mandates annual infrastructure assessments. It creates the West Virginia Safe Water Fund to provide grants and low-interest loans for upgrading treatment systems and replacing aging pipes, with priority for rural and underserved communities. The law also requires a statewide lead pipe survey by 2028, phased removal of lead service lines by 2036, and financial assistance for low-income households, while imposing fines up to $100,000 for violations to fund the Safe Water Fund.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentSets stricter drinking water standards than federal levels, mandates testing/reporting, and creates fund for infrastructure upgrades - directly strengthens environmental protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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introduced · West Virginia · Senate Jan 19, 2026

SB 475: Relating to legislative rules regarding chemicals of emerging concern

Senate Bill 475 establishes rules for West Virginia state agencies regulating "chemicals of emerging concern" (like PFAS, microplastics, and nanomaterials). It prevents state rules from being stricter than existing federal standards for these chemicals, and requires any new state rules (where no federal standard exists) to be based on "best available science" and "weight of scientific evidence." The bill defines key terms like "best available science" to ensure regulations rely on reliable, peer-reviewed studies showing a direct link between chemical exposure and actual health harm. This directly affects state environmental and health agencies responsible for setting limits on water quality, air pollution, and hazardous materials.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill explicitly prevents West Virginia from enacting stricter environmental regulations than federal standards for chemicals like PFAS, weakening state-level protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Drinking Water Water Quality

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 30, 2026

HB 5008: Relating to a State Water Resources Management Plan

HB 5008 requires the West Virginia secretary to develop a State Water Resources Management Plan by November 30, 2013, in collaboration with state agencies, local governments, and large water users. The plan must include detailed assessments of surface and groundwater resources, inventories of large water withdrawals (including location and usage), and evaluations of water conflicts, shortages, and infrastructure needs. It also mandates identifying critical water planning areas where demand exceeds supply and assessing conservation opportunities, public water supply capabilities, and flood management challenges. This bill directly affects state water management agencies and large water users across West Virginia.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires water management plan with resource assessments, promoting proactive environmental protection through planning and resource evaluation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water Water Quality

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 12, 2026

HB 4615: Relating to public drinking water storage tanks

HB 4615 establishes a 12-member Public Water System Supply Study Commission to review and report on water system infrastructure, source protection plans, contamination response, and funding options for public water systems. The commission, appointed with members from the Governor, water associations, health departments, and environmental groups, must submit annual reports to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance starting December 2014. The bill defines "aboveground water storage tanks" (over 1,320 gallons, primarily non-earthen, >90% above ground) but does not directly change tank regulations or require new infrastructure. It focuses on studying existing challenges rather than implementing immediate policy changes for water systems.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates commission to review water source protection, contamination response, and infrastructure funding, directly advancing environmental protection through oversight of public water systems.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 29, 2026

HB 4949: Relating to Legislative Rules regarding chemicals of emerging concern

HB 4949 establishes rules for West Virginia's regulation of "chemicals of emerging concern," including PFAS (like PFOS/PFOA), microplastics, nanomaterials, and other substances posing potential environmental or health risks. The bill prohibits state rules on these chemicals from being stricter than existing federal standards for the same topic. If no federal rule exists, state regulations must be based on "best available science" and the "weight of scientific evidence," requiring a direct link between chemical exposure and proven human harm (not just risk). This applies to areas like drinking water, air quality, hazardous waste, and contaminated site cleanup, affecting state agencies developing environmental regulations.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentProhibits stricter state regulations than federal standards for chemicals like PFAS, limiting environmental protections and preventing stronger state action.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Hazardous Materials Water Quality

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