Week of February 16, 2026
Today, Friday, February 20, 2026, marks the 37th day of the 2026 Regular Session! Important session deadlines are now upon us:
- February 23: Environmental Day (E-Day) at the Capitol — more than 30 organizations are tabling, and advocates from around the state will be showing the Legislature that West Virginians deserve clean water and clean air.
As of this week:
- House bill introduction deadline passed on Feb. 17;
- Senate bill introduction deadline is Feb. 23 (E-Day);
- Bills must be reported out of committee in their house of origin by March 1;
- The 50th day of session (March 4) is the last day for third reading consideration in a bill’s house of origin (except budget/supplemental appropriations).
Legislators from both sides of the aisle continue policy discussions on data centers, water quality and quantity, flood resiliency, and infrastructure.
Data Centers, Water Use & Local Control (HB 4983)
HB 4983 — the data center rule package — received significant debate on the House floor this week, eventually passing 78–16.
During floor debate, Delegate Hansen proposed a water quantity safeguard amendment that generated significant bipartisan interest — but it ultimately failed. The WVEC lobby team worked throughout the week to build support for this amendment.
We extend our appreciation to the Delegates who supported stronger water protections for communities, including:
Delegates Anders, Bridges, Dillon, Flanigan, Fluharty, Garcia, Hamilton, Hansen, Hornbuckle, Kimble, Lewis, Pushkin, Vance, Ward, Williams, and Young.
The bill has now been sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.
Public comments submitted on HB 4983 highlight ongoing concerns about local control, transparency of water use, and community impacts — underscoring why WVEC remains engaged throughout the process.
Ohio River Protection (House Resolution 10)
HR 10 — the Ohio River Protection resolution — has been transferred to the House Rules Committee for further consideration.
Our team is working behind the scenes to move this resolution forward. The companion resolution, SCR 7, passed through the Senate earlier in the session.
Flood Resiliency
No major action this week on new appropriations. However:
- SB 818, a supplemental funding bill related to flood resiliency, is still pending in Senate Finance.
- HB 5296, which would appropriate $10 million to the Flood Resiliency Fund, is still in committee.
- SCR 3, a resolution requesting a joint committee study of long-term funding strategies for flood resiliency, is still pending.
WVEC continues to work with legislators in both chambers who have expressed support for meaningful, long-term funding solutions for resiliency planning and implementation.
Public Lands & Outdoor Access
State Park Endowment Fund (HB 4126) – still in House Finance, awaiting further action.
WV River Access & Bridge Modernization Act (SB 708) – continues its path through the Senate judiciary process (pending; no new activity this week).
Other Public Lands Measures Under Watch:
We are closely monitoring a number of bills that could impact public lands and outdoor access, including but not limited to:
- SB 770 – Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Act
- SB 777 – Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act
- SB 501 – Expanding Digital Mapping of Unimproved Public Roads
- HB 5374 / SB 894 – Proposals to move Public Lands Corporation to DNR
These bills are pending in committee or awaiting consideration and may draw further action as session deadlines approach.
Other Bills of Environmental or Policy Interest
While not all directly under WVEC advocacy, the following bills reflect emerging priorities in this session:
- HB 5525 – Southern West Virginia Clean Water Fund: Introduced in House Energy & Public Works to address water emergencies & infrastructure upgrades (pending).
- HB 5646 – State Resiliency & Flood Protection Act: A bill to activate the State Resiliency Office to support flood risk reduction efforts (pending committee).
WVEC is tracking additional energy, infrastructure, and environmental bills as they move through committee and toward floor consideration.
Looking Ahead
WVEC’s Environmental Day (E-Day) will take place on February 23, 2026, at the State Capitol.
We hope you’ll join partners and advocates from across the state as we amplify the call for clean water, clean air, and responsible environmental policy.
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
