Environment

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 26, 2026

HB 4805: Relating to environmental clean-up for motor vehicle crashes

HB 4805 requires first responders (such as police or emergency medical personnel) at motor vehicle crashes involving hazardous materials to notify a public safety answering point to request a West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)-approved cleanup company. The bill mandates that the DEP ensure hazardous materials are contained, cleaned up, and reclaimed promptly and effectively after such incidents. This law directly affects first responders, DEP-approved cleanup companies, and communities near crash sites where environmental hazards occur. It establishes a standardized process for environmental cleanup following vehicle accidents without imposing new fees or altering existing liability rules.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates DEP-approved cleanup of hazardous materials after crashes, preventing environmental contamination and ensuring prompt containment per bill language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hazardous Materials

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 29, 2026

SB 257: DEP rule relating to ambient air quality standards

SB 257 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to implement a rule (45 CSR 08) that establishes ambient air quality standards. This rule, filed on July 23, 2025, defines acceptable levels of air pollutants, directly affecting industries that emit pollution and communities by setting enforceable requirements for air quality. The bill does not change the standards themselves but formally authorizes the DEP to enforce the existing rule.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAuthorizes enforcement of existing air quality standards, strengthening regulatory oversight to reduce pollution and protect public health from air emissions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality

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

HB 4212: Relating to authorizing the Division of Water and Waste Management to promulgate a legislative rule relating to hazardous waste management system.

HB 4212 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Water and Waste Management to create and implement a specific regulatory rule (33 CSR 20) governing hazardous waste management systems. This procedural bill directly affects the Division, which will develop the rule, and hazardous waste handlers statewide who must comply with the resulting regulations. The bill does not create new policy but formally approves a rule already proposed in the State Register (filed July 23, 2025), streamlining its adoption. It focuses on administrative authorization rather than substantive changes to waste management practices.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAuthorizes regulatory rule for hazardous waste management, preventing pollution and protecting natural resources. Enables implementation of existing environmental standards without weakening protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hazardous Materials Waste Management

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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 ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentReimburses septic tank repairs to improve water quality, directly reducing pollution and protecting local water resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 29, 2026

SB 261: DEP rule relating to emission standards for hazardous air pollutants

SB 261 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to implement a specific rule (45 CSR 34) that sets emission standards for hazardous air pollutants. This rule would directly affect industrial facilities and businesses emitting these pollutants, requiring them to meet new or updated emission limits. The bill formally approves a legislative rule previously filed by the DEP in the State Register on July 23, 2025, under existing authority. It does not create new standards but enables the DEP to enforce the existing rule through administrative processes. The bill is procedural, focusing on authorizing the rule's implementation rather than altering pollution requirements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires new emission limits for hazardous air pollutants, reducing pollution and strengthening environmental regulations per DEP rule implementation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality

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passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 21, 2026

HB 4355: To create a new hunting license stamp for upland game birds

HB 4355 creates a new $10 "upland game bird" stamp that hunters can purchase alongside their standard license. It directly affects hunters targeting specific species: ruffed grouse, bobwhite quail, ring-necked pheasant, woodcock, and snipe. Proceeds from the stamp will fund the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to buy and release these birds into designated Wildlife Management Areas. The bill defines the bird species and requires the Division to administer the program.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds species conservation via bird releases in Wildlife Management Areas, directly supporting natural resource management per bill's purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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

HB 4683: Prevent depletion of groundwater and aquifers

HB 4683 prohibits data centers from using groundwater or aquifers for cooling, directly affecting new and existing data center facilities in West Virginia. The bill requires data centers to use alternative cooling methods like closed-loop systems, air-cooling, or reclaimed water, and mandates real-time water monitoring with public reporting of usage. It also imposes pre-construction requirements including hydrogeologic studies and denies permits if aquifer impacts are identified. Violations trigger daily civil penalties of at least $50,000 and permit revocation. The law aims to protect groundwater resources, private wells, and municipal water supplies from depletion caused by data center operations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits groundwater use for cooling, mandates conservation methods, and requires monitoring to protect aquifers per bill summary.95% confidence

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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 · Senate Jan 28, 2026

SB 379: Division of Natural Resources rule relating to wildlife rehabilitation

SB 379 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources to implement specific rules governing wildlife rehabilitation facilities. The bill approves a modified rule (previously filed and revised to address committee feedback) that sets standards for facilities caring for injured or orphaned wildlife. This directly affects wildlife rehabilitation centers operating in the state by requiring compliance with these standardized procedures. The rule, referenced as "58 CSR 21," focuses on operational requirements rather than creating new policies. This is a procedural bill to formally adopt an existing regulatory framework.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes standardized rules for wildlife rehabilitation facilities (58 CSR 21), directly supporting conservation of injured/orphaned wildlife under environmental protection framework.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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

HB 4110: Creating the WV Energy Efficiency Jobs Creation Act

HB 4110, the WV Energy Efficiency Jobs Creation Act, requires West Virginia's electric utilities to develop and implement energy efficiency programs aimed at reducing electricity consumption. Utilities must achieve specific, incremental savings targets - starting at 0.5% of 2020 sales by 2027 and reaching 5% by 2031 - through cost-effective programs approved by the Public Service Commission. The bill also creates a "self-directed" option for eligible residential and business customers to manage their own energy efficiency plans, with requirements to meet minimum goals and repay avoided charges if they fail to do so. The Public Service Commission oversees program approval, ensures cost recovery for utilities, and mandates annual reporting to track progress toward state energy efficiency goals.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandatory utility efficiency programs with incremental consumption reduction targets (0.5% to 5% by 2031) directly advance energy efficiency goals per bill's requirements.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires utilities to reduce electricity consumption via efficiency programs, lowering emissions and promoting energy conservation per mandated targets.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Utility Regulation

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