GREEN Newsletter, Volume 36 Issue 13

West Virginia Environmental Council GREEN Legislative Update
GREEN Newsletter, Volume 36 Issue 13
Jul 29, 2026	View / Comment Online	*Donate*

Hi {contact.email_greeting},

Last week, heavy rain poured, and tornadoes touched down all over West Virginia. Communities around the state are beginning to repair and heal after devastating weather damaged homes, stores, and community centers, and claimed at least two lives. Our hearts and thoughts are with all of our neighbors who’ve been impacted by this catastrophe.

Although the Flood Resiliency Trust Fund was finally funded this year, multiple flooding events have already occurred in various counties. We know the $5 million allocated through surplus funding won’t be sufficient (if it’s granted) in the massive effort needed to repair infrastructure, rebuild lives, and mitigate the next disaster. It’s a start. As communities rebuild, we will continue to fight for the investments we need to survive the extreme weather caused by climate change. To support the communities in Upshur and Lewis Counties, or to find resources for recovery, visit West Virginia Rivers Coalition’s guide for more information.

In addition to their flood recovery resource guide, you can visit their website to learn more about upcoming community meetings to discuss solutions to the PFAS problem in water in various areas of the state. WV Rivers is hosting meetings in New Haven, Harrisville, St. Marys, Hurricane, Walton, and Moorefield in August. You can also find more information in Happenings Around the Mountain.

Sierra Club has launched an effort to protect the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and Fish & Wildlife Service as the Department of the Interior begins reviewing these agencies’ manuals. You can learn more about the Defend America’s Wilderness campaign and the National Park Service history later in this newsletter. Participants can comment through the campaign until August 14.

We are getting closer to the 2026 WVEC Annual Meeting this October 3rd! If you haven’t booked your stay yet, there’s still time to reserve your room for 10/2 and 10/3 through our discounted block. Guests staying both nights can score a lower rate. Mention you’re booking for the WVEC Annual Meeting to receive the discount. Call 304-259-5216 to book. You can also register for the meeting on our website. Easy booking for a great fall weekend in Tucker County!

Enjoy this month’s newsletter. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future publications. In the meantime, consider joining an environmental group near you and donating to keep the fight going.

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

Visions of an Ecofuture
WVEC
In honor of America’s 250th birthday this month, our Communications Coordinator Anna asked Morgan and I to write brief essays envisioning an ecofuture for West Virginia, whether that’s 25 or 250 years from now. I dragged my feet because it’s hard for me to think beyond election cycles and presidencies. That’s the policy brain in me. I have a rough idea of what’s best when it comes to a certain policy, but how can I achieve something with what we have right now?
Tagged: Ecology, Solar power

Protecting public lands for the next generation
Anna Saab
Some of my earliest memories involve spending time exploring the natural wonders of our public lands. As a little girl, I remember tilting my head back to marvel at the green canopy of hemlock trees in Cathedral State Park and swimming at the Upper Falls of Holly State Park on a hot summer day.
Tagged: Public lands

Green Pages: Books with WVEC Board Members
WVEC
This month’s book recommendations are a few of Quenton King’s favorite reads. As WVEC President and Government Affairs Specialist for Appalachian Voices, Quenton is constantly reading a variety of news, research, and other works of environmental nonfiction. We hope these picks are as enjoyable as they are educational. Happy reading!
Tagged: Climate change, Coal, Social justice

Member Spotlight
WVEC
This month’s Member Spotlight highlights the great work of Amy Margolies of Tucker United. You might remember her name from the article she co-authored in our April newsletter, “We Are Not Alone: Building Civic Momentum With Tucker United.”
Tagged: Health