GREEN Newsletter, Volume 35 Issue 9 (Wrap Up)

WVEC Lobbyists Lucia Valentine and Kasey Russell at the State Capitol—thank you both for your tireless work this session fighting for WV’s air, water, and communities.

The West Virginia legislative session is over, and once again, lawmakers failed to address the real issues facing our communities—from flood recovery to energy affordability. But that didn’t stop us. Thanks to everyone who called, emailed, showed up, and made their voices heard—your advocacy mattered.

In our final wrap-up, we highlight the session’s key  challenges and successes, share  opportunities to take action, and spotlight a new project highlighting West Virginians working toward real climate solutions in the article, People’s Climate Solutions. Their stories inspire and remind us that the future is still ours to shape.

Let’s keep our momentum going! Your continued membership or donation today can power our year-round advocacy efforts. Your support is the backbone of our work.

Click an article title or thumbnail image to read the full article (text below is only an excerpt).

WVEC Legislative Wrap-Up: What We Stopped—And What’s Next
WVEC
This session, we worked hard to hold the line against a wave of legislation threatening West Virginia’s air, water, and public lands. Through strong advocacy and the support of our partners, we successfully defeated several harmful bills. 
Tagged: Aboveground tanks, Community air monitoring, Energy, Legislation, Orphaned wells, Renewable energy, Water

Meet the West Virginians Leading Climate Solutions
WVEC
“I want to see a cleaner Charleston, a greener Charleston, and a more connected Charleston.”  That's Quenton King with the Charleston, WV Green Team. He's one of many West Virginians talking about their climate activities on the new People’s Climate Solutions website.
Tagged: Climate change

Save the Date for WVEC’s 2025 Annual Meeting!
WVEC
The WVEC's Annual Meeting will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10 am to 5 pm at the Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley, West Virginia. The WVEC Board Meeting will follow on Sunday, September 21, from 10 am to noon.
Tagged: Event

A Milestone Moment: 50 Years of Citizen Action!
WV Citizen Action Group
This is WV Citizen Action Group's 50th year, and they’re going stronger than ever. That’s five decades of grassroots power, bold advocacy, and real change — all made possible by people like YOU!
Tagged: Event

Southern West Virginia Flood Recovery Efforts are Still Ongoing
WVEC
Southern West Virginia residents are still clearing mud, mold and destroyed belongings from their homes and properties more than two months after flash flooding impacted 13 counties. 

Action Alert: West Virginians Push Back on Data Center Blitz
WVEC
On the final day of the legislative session, lawmakers passed HB 2014—a sweeping bill that removes local control over massive “microgrid” power plants and data centers. Counties and towns now have no say in where these projects go or how they’re built.
Tagged: Data centers

Action Alert: LIHEAP Gutted – 56,000 WV Households Risk Losing Utility Bill Help
WVEC
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) made the shocking decision to fire everyone working on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps low-income Americans pay their energy bills.  
Tagged: Energy

Upcoming Events: Connect, Celebrate, and Take Action
WVEC
May 7: Green Drinks | May 8: Holler from the Hollers | May 14: WV Citizen Action Group’s Climate Committee Update | May 17: WV Citizen Action Group’s 50th Anniversary Celebration | May 18: New River Gorge Clean Up: Thayer to Stonecliff | May 24: New River Gorge Clean Up: Hinton to Camp Brookside | September 20: WVEC’s Annual Meeting
Tagged: Event