Environment

failed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 5, 2026

HB 5525: To create the “Southern West Virginia Clean Water Fund” to be used in water emergencies or to upgrade infrastructure so residences can get clean water.

HB 5525 creates the "Southern West Virginia Clean Water Fund" to improve drinking water in 13 specific counties (Boone, Fayette, Greenbrier, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, and Wyoming). The bill requires water utilities to conduct quarterly contaminant testing, replace lead service lines by 2035 (with financial help for low-income households), and implement advanced filtration systems where water quality fails state standards. It appropriates $10 million in state funds for infrastructure upgrades, mandates public reporting of test results within 30 days, and imposes fines (reinvested into the fund) for violations of safe drinking water limits. The law also requires annual infrastructure assessments and updates to contaminant standards every three years based on scientific research.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates fund for clean water infrastructure, mandates contaminant testing and lead line replacement, directly improving water quality and environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Feb 24, 2026

SB 893: Providing tax credits for expenditures and activities related to biochar manufacturing

SB 893 creates a state tax credit equal to 10% of the federal carbon storage credit (under IRS Section 45Q) earned by businesses operating new biochar manufacturing facilities in West Virginia that began operations after July 1, 2025. It directly affects eligible businesses that qualify for the federal credit, allowing them to reduce their state corporation income tax by up to 50% of their tax liability for the year. The credit lasts up to 12 years and requires verification through IRS certification and documentation proving biochar production occurred in the state. Businesses must submit federal tax return copies and evidence of carbon sequestration meeting nationally recognized standards to claim the credit.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates 10% tax credit reducing state tax liability for biochar businesses, directly providing tax relief and incentivizing industry growth under tax policy.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProvides tax credit for biochar manufacturing (carbon storage), aligning with federal carbon storage incentives to promote clean energy infrastructure and carbon sequestration.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill incentivizes carbon sequestration via biochar manufacturing through tax credits tied to federal carbon storage (Section 45Q), directly advancing climate change mitigation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits

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

HB 5173: To create the West Virginia Rural Littering and Illegal Dumping Prevention Act.

HB 5173 creates the West Virginia Rural Littering and Illegal Dumping Prevention Act, targeting individuals who improperly dispose of litter on public or private property, including near waterways. It establishes tiered penalties based on litter quantity: fines from $100 for small amounts (under 100 lbs) up to $50,000 for large dumps (over 500 lbs), with enhanced fines (50% higher) near protected waters. The bill also allows courts to order community service (cleaning litter for 8-200 hours) instead of or alongside fines, and creates a Rural Illegal Dumping Prevention Fund for cleanup programs. It directly affects anyone who illegally discards litter, imposing specific criminal penalties for repeat offenses and violations near water.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill penalizes littering/dumping near waterways with enhanced fines, directly targeting pollution control and protecting natural resources per summary.95% confidence

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

HB 5038: Establishing the Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026 to facilitate coke production and steel-making in the state

HB 5038, the Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026, directs West Virginia's Department of Economic Development to identify suitable sites for coal-fired electricity generation and coke production facilities near coal deposits, transmission infrastructure, and steel manufacturing locations. It requires state agencies to streamline regulations and review existing rules to reduce delays for projects using locally mined coal. The bill aims to support economic development by making it easier to build facilities that produce electricity and coke (used in steelmaking) within the state. This directly affects coal producers, steel manufacturers, and state regulatory agencies responsible for permitting and oversight.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill explicitly promotes coal-fired electricity and coke production facilities, favoring fossil fuels over renewable energy development and opposing clean energy transition efforts.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill prioritizes coal-based energy and industrial growth by streamlining regulations for coal-fired facilities, weakening environmental safeguards and increasing reliance on polluting fossil fuels.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coal Transmission

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HR 10: Proposing approval of United States H.R. 5966, Ohio River Restoration Program Act, to bring clean water, enhanced fish and aquatic wildlife, economic benefits, and expanded recreation opportunities to West Virginia.

This resolution (HR 10) proposes approval of federal legislation (H.R. 5966), the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, which would establish a program to improve the Ohio River. The program would fund specific actions like cleaning polluted water, restoring fish habitats, controlling invasive species, and improving public access to the river. West Virginia directly benefits as 28% of the river’s length borders the state, providing drinking water for 700,000 residents and supporting local economies. The resolution itself does not create funding but formally supports the federal bill’s implementation. This is a procedural resolution endorsing the broader federal restoration effort.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds river cleanup, habitat restoration, and pollution control - directly advances environmental protection and water quality goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality Wildlife

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 6, 2026

HB 5318: Supplemental Appropriation to the Department of Commerce - State Parks and Recreation Endowment Fund from Special Revenue.

HB 5318 increases funding for West Virginia's state parks and recreation operations by supplementing existing budget lines. It adds $12,000 to "Current Expenses" (raising the total to $25,000) and $6.43 million to "Other Assets" (raising the total to $6.5 million) within the Department of Commerce's State Parks and Recreation Endowment Fund. This bill uses unappropriated funds from the 2026 fiscal year to cover these increases, directly affecting the Division of Natural Resources' park management. The change is purely procedural, adjusting budget allocations without creating new policies or programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases state parks funding by $6.43M from unappropriated funds, advancing public recreation services and fiscal responsibility.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncreases funding for state parks and recreation operations, directly supporting natural resource conservation and park management under the Division of Natural Resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Parks & Recreation

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introduced · West Virginia · Senate Feb 20, 2026

SB 1022: Removing electrical transformers as exempted aboveground storage tanks

SB 1022 removes electrical transformers from the list of exempted aboveground storage tanks under West Virginia's regulatory framework. This change means transformers - commonly used in electrical systems - will now be subject to the same safety, inspection, and environmental compliance requirements as other aboveground storage tanks. The bill directly affects utility companies, industrial facilities, and property owners that operate or maintain electrical transformers. It modifies the existing definition in §22-30-3 by deleting the exemption previously listed under subsections (L) and (O), requiring transformers to meet all registration, notice, and signage rules under the Aboveground Storage Tank Act.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRemoves transformers from environmental exemptions, requiring compliance with safety/environmental standards, strengthening regulatory oversight for pollution prevention.95% confidence

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

HB 5160: Prohibition of geoengineering

HB 5160 prohibits all unauthorized atmospheric modification activities - such as cloud seeding, stratospheric aerosol injection, and directed-energy heating - within or above West Virginia. The law establishes the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as the lead agency to enforce the ban, deny permits for such activities, and pursue penalties for violations. It applies to all individuals, organizations, and government entities conducting atmospheric modification without state authorization. Violations could trigger state enforcement actions, fines, and cooperative investigations with law enforcement agencies. The bill aims to protect public health, agriculture, and environmental integrity by preventing unregulated atmospheric changes.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits unauthorized atmospheric modification (e.g., geoengineering) to prevent potential environmental harm, directly protecting natural systems under DEP enforcement.95% confidence

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

HB 5039: Fueling Modern Life

HB 5039, titled "Fueling Modern Life," repeals all existing West Virginia air pollution control statutes (§22-5-1 through §22-5-20) and replaces them with a new policy declaring carbon dioxide (CO₂) a "foundational nutrient" necessary for life, not a pollutant. The bill mandates that West Virginia will not treat CO₂ as a pollutant, reject "net-zero" emission targets, and actively support carbon-based fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. This directly affects all entities regulated under air pollution laws, including power plants and industrial facilities, by eliminating CO₂ emission requirements. The legislation shifts state policy to prioritize fossil fuel use for economic development while asserting CO₂ levels are beneficial and historically low.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyRepeals pollution laws, declares CO₂ non-pollutant, rejects net-zero, mandates support for carbon-based fuels like coal and gas, directly opposing clean energy standards.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRepeals air pollution statutes, declares CO2 a nutrient (not pollutant), rejects net-zero targets, and supports carbon-based fuels, weakening environmental protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coal Oil & Gas Air Quality

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 3, 2026

HB 5069: Establish setback from residential properties for new windmills being constructed throughout the state.

HB 5069 requires new wind energy projects in West Virginia to maintain minimum distances from residences, property lines, and certain infrastructure. Specifically, wind turbines must be placed at least 1.5 times their total height (tower, turbine, blades) from residences and 1.1 times their height from property lines or paved public roads/transmission lines (115kV+). Property owners can opt out of these setbacks by signing a written waiver. The bill applies only to new siting certificate applications after its effective date, directly affecting wind developers and nearby landowners.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill imposes setback requirements for wind energy projects, restricting new development locations near residences and infrastructure.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes siting standards for wind energy projects, enabling clean energy development while addressing community concerns. Supports environmental goals by facilitating renewable infrastructure expansion.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Wind

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