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 Have you registered yet?? Join us for WVECl’s Annual Meeting on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Cedar Lakes Conference Center’s Jackson Hall in Ripley, WV.
A full agenda is below so you can preview the day’s schedule, sessions, and speakers!
Please let us know if you are attending by September 10. Reserve your spot here!
Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just getting started, every participant plays a role in shaping our priorities for the 2026 WV legislative session.
Register here!
Lodging:
- Students: Free dorm accommodations are available — please fill out this form to reserve your spot! Space is limited. Please let us know by Sept. 10!
- Non-students: WVEC has reserved a block of non-dorm rooms for attendees who wish to stay on-site (all rooms are pay-your-own-way). To reserve a room, call Cedar Lakes at 304-372-7860 and mention “WV Environmental Council” to access the room block.
- For more details, visit: https://www.cedarlakes.com/accomodations/
- Alternative lodging for non-students: Cedar Lakes also offers 10-bed dorm rooms. To reserve a 10-bed dorm room you must pay for a minimum of 5-beds at $18 plus tax per bed per night (total $90 plus tax per night). If more than 5 people sleep in the room, you will be charged $18 plus tax for each additional person per night. If you’re interested in staying in a dorm and wish to connect with others who are interested, you can also fill out this form by Sept. 10.
- Please reach out to WVECevents@gmail.com with any lodging questions.
- Note: If you are staying in a dorm, you must bring your own bedding, towels and toiletries to the dorms. Mattresses and pillows are provided, along with a shared bathroom.
We encourage you to come for the day or make it a weekend getaway — with Friday arrivals, evening bonfire, and Sunday brunch.
Visit our event page for full details on registration, lodging, and meals.
Questions? Please email us anytime at WVECevents@gmail.com.
We can’t wait to see you in Ripley!
Agenda (Click here to download a printable pdf)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Location: Jackson Hall, Cedar Lakes Conference Center
9:00 am Continental Breakfast in the meeting room. (Provided by WVEC!)
9:30 am Welcome and Introductions. We will discuss the day’s agenda and goals.
10:00 am Partner Updates. Time to hear about any WINS!
10:30 am Speakers
- HB 2014 and air permits, land use, and zoning
Andrew Earley, Fairshake Environmental Legal Services
- Data Centers: A perspective from Virginia
Julie Bolthouse, Director of Land Use, Piedmont Environmental Council
- Flooding and resiliency policy, WV and Appalachian perspective
Brendan Muckian-Bates, Policy & Advocacy Associate at Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center and a leader of the Appalachian Appalachian Flood Resilience Coalition
12:00pm Lunch* in the Lions Shelter, adjacent to Jackson Hall
1:00 pm 2025 Legislative Session Recap, Kasey Russell, WVEC Lobbyist
1:15 pm Policy Briefing Book Preview, Question King, WVEC Vice Presiden
1:30 pm Speakers
- Public land updates and what could be on the horizon
Mike Jones, Conservation Manager, WV Rivers Coalition
- Attacks on community air monitoring: A Kentucky perspective
Byron Gary, Program Attorney, Kentucky Resources Council
2:30 pm Break
2:45 pm Working Groups Presentations
- Preview of 2026 Priorities
- Flood Resiliency/River Trails and Access
- Data Centers
- Energy Policy
3:30 pm Q&A with Delegate Evan Hansen
4:00 pm Legislative Strategy Brainstorming
- Tools: Legislator tracking, citizen advocate recruitment, utilize coalitions/groups we have something in common with; public awareness campaigns
- Flood resiliency next steps with Grace Dever, Assistant Director of WVU Center for Resilient Communities
- Break-out groups for each priority
4:45 pm Wrap Up
- Final reflections
- Next steps and follow-up timeline
- 2026 E-Day Overview, Environmental Day is Monday, Feb. 23, 2026!!
- Thank you to all participants
5:00 pm Dinner* and a campfire at #66 around 7:30 pm!
*Meals can be purchased when you register.
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