GREEN, Volume 34 Issue 4

: “If you care about your community and your constituents, then it is imperative that you care about pollution in people’s neighborhoods.” – Lucia Valentine, WVEC Lobbyist

We just concluded day 24 of the legislative session! 

Thank you for sending in your comments and participating in today’s public hearing on House Bill 5018 to protect community air monitoring. Only two speakers, both industry lobbyists, spoke out in support of the bill, and we appreciate your work to amplify our collective voice opposing this bad piece of legislation. Why is industry trying to prevent citizen involvement? 

We have a lot of work ahead of us! In this week’s Round-Up and Events, find more actions to take, ways to get involved, and opportunities to make a positive impact. We need you!

A special shout-out to Swingsteen and Robin for donating their tips to the WVEC at last week’s fundraiser at the Empty Glass! Please remember: your donation helps support our 2024 Lobby team so we can all 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).

WVEC Weekly Round-Up
WVEC
We’ve had a productive third week as things have started to pick up at the legislature. In addition to daily bill tracking, we’ve focused on meeting with senators to discuss the Orphaned Well Prevention Act, working with folks from WV Clean and Beautiful to defeat SB 171, and gathering voices to testify against HB 5018 in today’s public hearing.
Tagged: Community solar, Net metering, Orphaned wells, Pollution

Charleston Heard Us Loud and Clear: Save Our Solar!
Solar United Neighbors
On Saturday, Jan. 27, more than 130 West Virginians came out for the Save Our Solar Rally. That’s an impressive turnout, and a strong message to decision makers. Mountaineers aren’t willing to let monopoly utility companies threaten our access to solar energy. 
Tagged: Solar power

You’re Invited to our Advocacy Webinar on February 6th!
WVEC
Join WVEC lobbyists Lucia Valentine and Isabel Stellato on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 7 pm for a free webinar to get up-to-date information on bills we are tracking and talking points for meeting with key legislators during the legislative session. 
Tagged: Eday, Legislation

Upcoming Events!
WVEC
POSTPONED - Mountain Valley Watch + WV Rivers’ Volunteer Appreciation Day, Saturday, Feb. 3 at 1 pm | E-Day Advocacy Webinar: Bills and Talking Points, Tuesday, Feb, 6 at 7 pm | Black Policy Day at the State Capitol, Wednesday, Feb. 7 | Environmental Day at the WV State Capitol, Tuesday, Feb. 13
Tagged: Eday, Social justice

Job Description: 2024 Part-time Energy Efficiency Community Outreach Coordinator

This is a 20-30 hour per week independent contractor position; Time period of employment: February 2024 – December 2024, with possible extension through 2025, pending funding.
Tagged: Opportunity

2024 Session Resources
WVEC
We look forward to bringing you the session news every week, and you can also follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, plus other important resources.
Tagged: Legislation