Hi, everyone! We have concluded week 5 at the legislature, and are now past the half-way mark. Next week is the last week that bills can be introduced in the House and Senate. We are keeping a close eye on about 45 bills, many of which have not even made it to committee agendas, which is both good and bad. We saw two very bad bills pass the House this week, but one good bill, SB 404, made it through both chambers and is set to hit the Governor’s desk. This bill is an effort to help fund the Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Oil and Gas inspectors, which is a top priority for WVEC. 

E-Day was on Wednesday this week and we had an amazing time! Thank you to everyone who attended and donated to our efforts. 

Read on for the legislative news of the week!

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Legislative Updates, Week 5
WVEC
SB404, which would modify well work permits issued by the WV Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Oil and Gas was passed out of the House Energy Committee today and read for the first time on the floor. As mentioned earlier, the additional funds generated by this bill may be used to hire and retain additional inspectors. WVEC supports this bill and we hope to see it pass on Tuesday of next week and head to Governor Justice’s desk. 
Tagged: Legislation

A Successful Virtual E-Day!
Linda Frame
Greetings!  First, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended our virtual E-Day on Wednesday evening. It was a huge success and we thoroughly enjoyed seeing all of you, even if it was in a different setting than usual. We want to extend a big thank you to Delegate Evan Hansen and Delegate John Doyle for taking the time to participate in our panel discussion on things happening at the Capitol.
Tagged: Eday

Submit Comments on WVDEP Biological Assessment Rule by March 26
WV Rivers Coalition
The WVDEP is once again accepting public comments on a revised rule that analyzes the aquatic life in the stream to assess whether the stream is meeting the state’s water quality standards. Submit your comments here.
Tagged: Pollution, Water

Member Spotlight: Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition
WVEC
What we would do without our partners at the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition (OVEC)? OVEC formed in 1987 to stop a toxic waste dump/incinerator proposed for a low-income community near Huntington, WV - the first of many victories to come. 
Tagged: Fracking, Mountaintop removal, Pollution