Limiting Private Carbon Sequestration Programs

SB 15 is a bill introduced in the West Virginia Senate that amends state law to strengthen protections for coal, oil, gas, and other commercially valuable minerals when carbon capture and underground carbon dioxide (CO₂) sequestration or storage projects are proposed.

Sponsors: Chris Rose, Chris Phillips

ISSUES: Clean Air, Climate, Development

CWV Position: Opposes

Position Statement: SB 15 could inhibit the responsible siting and implementation of carbon capture and storage projects by over-prioritizing fossil mineral preservation, creating regulatory barriers that conflict with comprehensive climate and clean-energy strategies — goals aligned with CWV’s mission to protect clean air and water and support long-term environmental resilience.

Status: Introduced on 1/14/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee 1/27/26.