GREEN, Volume 35 Issue 1

Gary Zuckett, Co-Director of WV CAG, speaks to reporters at a news conference on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, at the state Capitol in Charleston, WV, opposing the public hearing changes in HR 1.

And we’re off! The 2025 legislative session began on February 12, and our lobby team wasted no time getting to work. Veteran lobbyists Lucia Valentine and Kasey Russell attended the State of the State address—read the statement here—and have spent the first few days meeting with lawmakers and stakeholders to advance our legislative priorities. This year, we’re focused on protecting community air monitoring, upholding water quality standards, safeguarding public lands, and addressing abandoned gas wells. See our full list of priorities below.

We’ll keep you informed through our weekly legislative roundup in WVEC’s G.R.E.E.N. newsletter and Action Alerts. Subscribe here. Your voice matters—contact your legislators and urge them to support bills that protect our health and environment. Need help finding your legislators? We have a great resource here.

Mark your calendars: Black Policy Day is March 10, and Environmental Day (E-Day) is March 17. This year marks 35 years of E-Day at the Capitol—join us to make an impact!

Thank you to our donors who responded to our December fundraising appeal (and beyond!); your support strengthens our advocacy. If you haven’t yet, please consider donating. We want to thank Paul Epstein and Robin Godfrey for their efforts and support at The Empty Glass’ Swingstein and Robin Helping Hour in Charleston, which has helped sustain our advocacy work over the years.

With 60 days ahead, it will take all of us to make a difference—let’s keep up the fight!

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

Environmental Advocacy in a Changing West Virginia
WVEC
In this update, WVEC meets with Concord University students and discusses its outlook on environmental Issues, WV supermajority, and public hearings being eliminated.
Tagged: Legislation

Change Happens When We Show Up—Be There for E-Day 2025! 
WVEC
For 35 years, Environmental Day (E-Day) has united advocates to demand stronger environmental protections for West Virginians. Attending isn't just about networking or displays—it's about showing up, being seen, and holding legislators accountable for their decisions about our environment, health, and future.
Tagged: Eday, Event, Legislation

WVEC’s 2025 Legislative Priorities
WVEC
WVEC’s legislative priorities represent the interests of our 15 coalition members and thousands of supporters statewide. These priorities guide our legislative advocacy, ensuring environmental protection, clean energy, and sustainable policies remain at the forefront.
Tagged: Aboveground tanks, Legislation, Net metering, Orphaned wells, PFAS, State parks, Water

Welcome Back, Lucia!
Lucia Valentine
Hello! My name is Lucia Valentine, and I will be lobbying for a fourth time with the West Virginia Environmental Council (WVEC) during the 2025 legislative session. Growing up in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, I am proud to be from the Mountain State.
Tagged: Legislation

Environmental & Racial Justice Movie Night – Feb. 18
WV Citizen Action Group
Join WV Citizen Action and partners for a powerful documentary screening in honor of Black History Month, highlighting the fight for environmental justice in one of America’s most toxic neighborhoods—the Ironbound district of Newark, NJ. RSVP
Tagged: Event, Social justice

Stop the Rate Hikes!
WVEC
AEP is seeking another rate increase for West Virginians despite their electric rates already having more than doubled in the past 15 years. The rate increases are making it increasingly difficult for families, small businesses, churches, and schools to afford their electric bills.
Tagged: Energy efficiency