Weekly Legislative Update: Week of February 9, 2026

Week of February 9, 2026

We are officially through the first half of the 2026 legislative session!

The WVEC lobby team had another productive week focused on improving data center and microgrid policy, advancing flood resiliency funding, and protecting public lands. 

Here’s where things stand:

Data Centers, Water Use & Local Control (HB 4983)

The data center rule package (HB 4983) passed the House Energy and Public Works Committee this week.

Delegate Bridges and Hansen proposed an amendment addressing water quantity. The WVEC team worked diligently all week to garner bipartisan support for the amendment, which ultimately failed on a 12-8 vote.

We would like to thank the following Delegates for supporting stronger water quantity safeguards for data centers:

• Evan Hansen (D-79)
• David Cannon (R-89)
• Gary Ward (R-74)
• Jordan Bridges (R-33)
• Pat Moore (R-16)
• Kayla Young (D-56)
• Jonathan Sheedy (R-5)
• Mike Green (R-26)

HB 4983 is expected to be on second reading on the House floor on Monday. Several delegates plan to offer and/or support amendments addressing water quantity and other safeguards. WVEC remains committed to ensuring that if data centers come to West Virginia, they are developed responsibly, with meaningful local input, and careful water management.

Ohio River Protection ( House Resolution 10)

The Ohio River Resolution was introduced in the House this week as House Resolution 10. It was referred to the House Energy Committee and mirrors SCR 7, which passed the Senate earlier this session. 

Flood Resiliency

Flood resiliency remains one of the most widely discussed issues of the session. Today, February 13th, is Flood Resiliency Day at the Capitol. WVEC thanks Senator Oliverio for introducing Senate Concurrent Resolution 3, Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study funding for the Flood Resiliency Fund. The study resolution would examine how to fund the many projects already identified in the Flood Resiliency Office’s statewide Flood Plan.

We have heard strong bipartisan support for the resolution from legislators in both chambers – an encouraging sign that meaningful, long-term funding solutions may be possible.

Public Lands & Outdoor Access

State Park Endowment Fund (HB 4126)

A committee substitute for HB 4126 passed out of the House Finance’s Revenue Subcommittee. Although it has not appeared before the full Finance Committee, we believe the revised language improves the likelihood that redirected funds will continue to support maintenance and improvements to existing state park facilities.

WV River Access & Bridge Modernization Act (SB 708)

Sponsored by Senators Woodrum, Hart, Deeds, Oliverio, Woelfel, and Garcia, SB 708 passed Senate Natural Resources and now heads to Senate Judiciary. WVEC has worked with Senator Woodrum to introduce this bill. 

Other Public Lands Measures

We are closely monitoring several harmful bills, including:

• SB 770 (Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Act)
• SB 777 (Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act)
• SB 501 (Expanding digital mapping of unimproved public roads – Sen. Maynard)
• HB 5374 / SB 894 (Governor’s request bills moving the Public Lands Corporation to the Department of Natural Resources)

Looking Ahead

WVEC’s Environmental Day (E-Day) will take place on February 23, 2026, at the State Capitol.

E-Day Eve will be held on February 22 at the Embassy Suites in Charleston, beginning at 5:00 PM.

We hope you will join us as we come together to advocate 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.