Week of February 23, 2026
This Week at the Capitol
Today, Friday, February 27, 2026, marks the 45th day of the 2026 Regular Session.
Key deadlines:
- March 1 (Day 47): Bills must be reported out of committee in their house of origin.
- March 4 (Day 50) – CROSSOVER DAY: Last day for third reading consideration in a bill’s house of origin (except budget and supplemental appropriation bills).
E-Day & E-Day Eve: Student Leadership at the Capitol
E-Day and E-Day Eve were incredibly busy, energizing, and productive. More than 50 students from WVU and several students from Concord University and Bethany College joined advocates from across the state and truly took over the Capitol.
On E-Day, we heard from inspiring speakers, including Abby Stovall, former WVEC intern and President of the Student Council at Concord University, and Andrew O’Neal, Sustainability Chair, Student Government Association at WVU, who helped set the tone for thoughtful, solutions-oriented advocacy and reminded everyone why young people’s voices matter in shaping West Virginia’s future.
Students met with legislators from 9:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., engaging in meaningful, substantive conversations. The WVU and Concord delegations held a morning policy session with Delegates Hansen and Pritt, followed by afternoon meetings with Senators Garcia and Oliverio, along with additional conversations throughout the Capitol.
Their message was clear and consistent: Students want a future where our people and communities are protected from environmental harm.
The professionalism, preparation, and passion of these students did not go unnoticed. Legislators listened, asked questions, and engaged seriously with their ideas.
E-Day once again demonstrated that the next generation is ready to lead, and they expect policies that protect the state they love.
As we move into the last two weeks of the session, we are officially in crunch time. Committee agendas are full, negotiations are happening quickly, and leadership priorities are becoming clear. Now is also the time to watch for committee substitutes and originating bills on agendas!
Data Centers, Water Use & Local Control
Data Center Rules (HB 4983) — As reported last week, HB 4983, the data center rule package, passed the House 78–16 after significant floor debate. The bill now sits in Senate Judiciary and is expected to appear on an agenda soon. WVEC continues to monitor potential amendments as the bill moves in the Senate.
Governor Morrisey Announces New Berkeley County Data Center
Our lobby team attended the Governor’s press conference yesterday, announcing a new large-scale data center project in Berkeley County. While details are still emerging, this 548-acre project is set to generate 600MGW’s of capacity. Major concerns remain around increased electricity costs, no setback requirements, lack of safeguards for water use, and no local input.
Ohio River Protection Resolution (HR-13) — HR 13 passed unanimously on the House Floor today. This resolution affirms West Virginia’s commitment to protecting the Ohio River Basin, supporting interstate collaboration, and preserving drinking water for millions downstream. Its companion resolution, SR 7, passed the Senate earlier this session.
We are grateful to Senate lead sponsor, Senator Oliverio, and House lead sponsor, Delegate Ferenbacher, for their support. The Ohio River is foundational to our economy, public health, and outdoor recreation.
Flood Resiliency
$25 Million Flood Resiliency Amendment – In a major development this week, House Democrats offered an amendment to appropriate $25 million to the Flood Resiliency Fund – and it passed. The vote was a voice vote. Observers in the gallery report only a handful of “no” votes.
This is a huge step forward and reflects growing recognition that flood planning must move beyond pilot programs and into real funding.
Other bills we are watching:
- Supplemental funding bill related to flood resiliency (SB 818)– Pending in Senate Finance.
- $10 million appropriation to the Flood Resiliency Fund (HB 5296) – Pending in House Finance
- Joint committee study resolution on long-term flood funding (SCR 3)– Pending in Senate Finance. Resolutions are not subject to crossover deadlines, so we will continue pushing next week..
Straight Pipes Funding
Budget Bill’s $30 Million Proposal — Chairman Criss has been actively pushing to appropriate $30 million to eliminate straight pipes across the state. At this stage, this funding appears to be connected to broader budget negotiations rather than moving as a standalone bill. It is likely being discussed within the larger budget framework or potential supplemental appropriations. If funded, this would represent one of the most significant wastewater infrastructure investments in recent years.
WVEC strongly supports permanent funding solutions for straight pipe elimination, failing septic systems, and rural wastewater upgrades.
Governor’s Water Infrastructure Bill (HB 5210 and SB 762) — The Governor has proposed broader water infrastructure legislation, which has passed the House Energy Committee, but is now in the House Finance Committee.
Other bills we are watching:
- Southern West Virginia Clean Water Fund (HB 5525) — Pending in House Energy & Public Works
- State Resiliency & Flood Protection Act (HB 5646) — Would activate and strengthen the State Resiliency Office; pending committee.
Public Lands & Outdoor Access
WV River Access & Bridge Modernization Act (SB 708) — continues its path through the Senate judiciary process (pending; no new activity this week).
WV Rivers issued an action alert encouraging Chairman Willis to place the bill on the Judiciary agenda. We continue pushing for movement.
WVEC continues tracking additional environmental, energy, and infrastructure measures as they move quickly toward crossover deadlines.
If you have questions about any of the issues above or would like to get involved, please contact the WVEC lobby team: Lucia and/or Kasey.
