From our partners at WV Citizen Action Group and WV Rivers Coalition

On Tuesday, January 30, the House Committee on Energy and Manufacturing passed HB 5018 out of committee, and it is heading to the House floor despite the advocacy of more than 400 individuals against this industry-backed bill. We urge you to stand with us in opposing HB 5018 and demand the rejection of this detrimental bill.

The Legislature must conduct three readings before passing a bill out of the House. We anticipate the final reading to take place this Friday.

WVEC has requested and secured a public hearing on HB 5018, which will take place TOMORROW, Friday, Feb. 2, from 9 to 10 am at the WV State Capitol (1900 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston) in the House Chambers. 

HB 5018 asserts that data collected from purple air monitors cannot be used by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for regulatory or attainment purposes. Citizen air monitoring plays a crucial role in engaging citizens and supplementing data gathered by government agencies. This engagement can lead to informed decision-making, advocacy for improved air quality regulations, and community-driven initiatives to reduce pollution.

We need all hands on deck. Meet us in the House Chambers at the WV State Capitol (1900 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston) tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 2, from 9 to 10 am. You can sign up to speak beginning at 8:30 am.

Capitol maps and directions can be found here. You can watch here if you can not attend but would like to listen in.

If you can not attend in person please, fill out our easy-action form to contact your Delegate and Speaker Hanshaw and ask them to Vote NO on HB 5018 to protect community monitoring. 

Thank you for your support!