GREEN, Volume 33 Issue 3

Welcome back to the WVEC’s weekly newsletter! Wrapping up all the action in January, we have our Weekly Round-Up on the bills we are tracking this legislative session and an action alert related to the PFAS Protection Act. 

Please remember your donation would help our 2023 Lobby team make a difference for our public and environmental health. Thanks for being a part of the WVEC community!

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

Weekly Round-Up
WVEC
SB448 - Providing funding to the Office of Oil and Gas (O&G) for well inspections, was introduced in the Senate this week. Currently, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) Office of Oil and Gas only has nine inspectors responsible for over 75,000 wells. This bill would double the funding for this office and increase inspector numbers from 9 to around 20.
Tagged: DEP, PFAS, Renewable energy

You’re Invited to E-Day at the Capitol!
WVEC
The 2023 Environmental Day (E-Day) at the Capitol is fast approaching! Please join environmental groups from across the state for this annual advocacy day on Tuesday, February 28, from 9 am - 2 pm. We are looking forward to seeing everyone face-to-face this year!
Tagged: Event, Legislation

Action Alert: Contact Members of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee – Protect My Drinking Water
WV Rivers Coalition
Good news from the Capitol! SB 485, the PFAS Protection Act, has been introduced to the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee with bipartisan support!! Your advocacy asking for the co-sponsorship of the legislation designed to stop toxic chemicals from polluting our drinking water sources has worked!
Tagged: Health, PFAS, Water

Black Policy Breakfast and Day of Action
WVEC
The WV Black Voter Impact Initiative and its partners invite you to attend Black Policy Day at the Capitol on February 15. All are welcome to visit the Capitol to engage with our state leaders, discuss the policies that most impact Black and minority communities, and learn how to start impacting your communities today! The West Virginia Environmental Council is a proud sponsor of this event.
Tagged: Event, Legislation

2023 Legislative Priorities
WVEC
Community Solar, Orphaned Gas Well Responsibility, Adequate funding for inspectors for the WV DEP Office of Oil and Gas, Mineland Reclamation, Advanced Nuclear, Hydrogen Hub/CCS, Aboveground Storage Tank Legislation, Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality Standards/Triennial Review, Public Lands, Clean Elections/Voter Protection legislation
Tagged: Aboveground tanks, Clean elections, DEP, Orphaned wells, Pollution, Reclamation, Renewable energy, Water

2023 Session Resources
WVEC
We look forward to bringing you the session news every Friday evening, and you can also follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 
Tagged: Legislation