WVEC Year End AppealDecember 20, 2011Dear Friends: Breaking News – This week the West Virginia Legislature finally passed a bill regulating Marcellus shale gas well drilling in this state. This is a direct result of the “endless pressure, endlessly applied” over the past three years by the WVEC Lobby Team and the expanded coalition we worked with on this important issue. Now, after passage of the legislation, the media is asking: “Is this a good bill? Is this a bad bill?” Well from our standpoint it’s a very weak bill, providing only minimum protections for the environment and surface owners who are in the best position to protect the environment on their land. But, it’s a starting point. “We have not seen the last of Marcellus shale issues, nor should we,” Delegate Mike Caputo (D-Marion), House Majority Whip said shortly before the House passed the bill. Senate Majority Leader John Unger (D-Berkeley) called the legislation “a platform to work off of.” That’s where we come in: We have to keep up the pressure to make sure this bill is a starting point, and not an end point. The WVEC Lobby Team will begin working to improve this legislation in the upcoming legislative session. But that’s not all the WVEC lobby team will be working on. Among numerous other issues, we will also be working hard to ban the underground injection of coal sludge, to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, and to “play defense” to stop bad industry bills. This is where YOU come in. The West Virginia Environmental Council cannot function without your continued financial support. Since 1989 the West Virginia Environmental Council has been your voice for the environment at the State Legislature. During that time, we have become an effective and respected advocate for clean water, clean air, public health, and for all those special places we hold so dear. The 2012 Legislative Session convenes January 11th. We have again assembled a strong lobby team, but it takes real dollars to fund the effort. We can’t do this without your financial contributions, and we need them now. Won’t you please help? Thanks for your consideration. Click here to make a donation. Donald S. Garvin, Jr. Representing West Virginia “Special Interests”:
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