Significant 2021 Legislation

The purpose of this bill is to repeal the law that bans construction of nuclear power plants. Similar in effect to HB 2882.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Economic Development Committee; 1/24/22 to Senate on second reading; 1/28/22 sent to House for second reading; passed by House sent to Governor; 2/8/22 approved by Governor.

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

CWV Position: Opposes

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

The bill would repeal WV Code 17a-10-3c imposing additional registration fees for hybrid and electric vehicles.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, then Finance Committee

This bill allows the Director of the Division of Natural Resources to assess a Wildlife Impact Fee on any operator of a wind power project that injures or kills a protected species of animal.

Sponsors: Randy Smith

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/12/25 and referred to Senate Committee on Natural Resources; and then to Senate Committee on Finance. The bill passed the Natural Resources Committee on 3/13/25 and was referred to the Finance Committee.

SB 23 clarifies that wind power projects are not pollution control facilities for certain purposes under state tax law, and provides that such projects are to be taxed as real property rather than receiving pollution-control tax treatment.

Sponsors: Chris Rose, Chris Phillips, Darren Thorne

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/14/26; referred to Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee on 1/14/26.

SB 24 proposes to add a new section to the West Virginia Code to establish the West Virginia Intrastate Energy Use Act.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/14/26; referred to Judiciary Committee on 1/14/26.

SB 25 is legislation to create the West Virginia Coal Marketing Program, a state-level program aimed at protecting and expanding coal markets and coal facilities and addressing economic impacts that communities have experienced or may experience due to changes in the coal industry.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/14/26; referred to Finance Committee on 1/30/26.

SB 73 seeks to ensure that solar farms are treated as non-agricultural in state statutes governing property appraisal and agricultural classifications — which could affect valuation, taxation, and eligibility for certain agricultural programs or incentives.

Sponsors: Patricia Rucker, Chris Rose, Darren Thorne, Tom Willis

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced on 1/14/26; referred to Finance Committee on 2/05/26.

SB 82 seeks to create a new excise tax on the production of electricity from wind and solar power sources.

Sponsors: Chris Phillips, Chris Rose, Darren Thorne

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/14/26; referred to Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee on 1/14/26.

SB 88 proposes to add a new section (§22-5-21) to the West Virginia Code regarding community air monitoring data programs.

Sponsors: Darren Thorne

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/14/26; referred to Government Organization Committee on 1/14/26.

This bill seeks to prevent orphan wells by prohibiting the issuance of well permits unless the applicant provides "plugging assurance." Plugging assurance must also be provided by owners of wells not producing in paying quantities. Plugging assurance is provided by a bond, a cash payment, or an escrow account in the actual amount needed to plug a well as determined by the Office of Oil & Gas

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, referred to Energy, Industry & Mining then to Finance

SB 118 requires landowners and forest carbon developers to register each carbon credit agreement and establishes civil penalties for noncompliance.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining; and then to the Committee on Finance.

SB 229 proposes to repeal most existing statutory provisions related to air pollution control in Chapter 22, Article 5 of the West Virginia Code and replace them with a new framework called the Fueling Modern Life Act. SB 229 seeks to shift West Virginia’s air quality and carbon policy toward recognizing and promoting CO₂ and carbon-based energy, rather than regulating emissions under traditional pollution control frameworks.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/14/26; referred to Natural Resources Committee on 1/14/26.

SB 230 would add a new article to the West Virginia Code requiring electric utilities to offer customers a choice in the type of electrical meter installed at their property.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/14/26; referred to Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee 1/14/26.

This bill establishes guidelines for community air monitoring programs including definitions for how data can be collected and used.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/24/25 and referred to Senate Committee on Government Organization.

SB 942 primary purpose is to establish a new framework to encourage development of advanced-baseload energy projects in the state.

Sponsors: Glenn Jeffries

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced on 2/13/26; referred to Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee on 2/13/26.

Requiring DEP to issue various types of notice before issuing an air quality permit, including online, social media and print.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/10/21; referred to Government Organization Committee

Requiring DEP to issue various types of notice before issuing an air quality permit, including online, social media and print.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Government Organizations Committee, then Judiciary

This bill would authorize consumers to buy shares in a community solar installation and reap proportionate credits against their utility bills. Rulemaking and administration by the Public Service Commission.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Judiciary

Requiring the Commissioner of Bureau for Public Health to conduct a public health impact assessment of any new air or water rule, or modification of an existing air or water rule, proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection. The bill also requires that the findings in the impact statement be incorporated into the proposed rule.

Sponsors: Chuck Horst

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 2/10/21; referred to Health & Human Resources Committee.

Requiring the Commissioner of Bureau for Public Health to conduct a public health impact assessment of any new air or water rule, or modification of an existing air or water rule, proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection. The bill also requires that the findings in the impact statement be incorporated into the proposed rule.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Health and Human Resources Committee

Requiring the Commissioner of Bureau for Public Health to conduct a public health impact assessment of any new air or water rule, or modification of an existing air or water rule, proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection. The bill also requires that the findings in the impact statement be incorporated into the proposed rule.

Sponsors: Chuck Horst

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 2/10/21; referred to Health & Human Resources Committee.

Requiring a public hearing in the county where the facility is to be located, for any air quality permit application for a facility that will have an investment value of more than $25 million or be 25,000 square feet or larger in size.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/10/21; referred to Workforce Development Committee

Prohibits manufacturing plants from locating within two air miles of an existing public school without the written permission of the county school board. Also requires that a majority of the school board voted to grant this permission.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/10/21; referred to Workforce Development Committee

This bill seeks to encourage development, transportation and use of electricity generated using West Virginia natural gas. It directs the Economic Development Authority to identify sites for generating facilities, and for timely decisions on construction by the Air Quality Board.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Government Organizations

This bill completely repeals §17A-10-3c of the Code, which imposes higher registration fees for alternate fuel vehicles that use less gas and pay correspondingly less tax to support highway maintenance.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, referred to Finance Committee

Requiring DEP to maintain an electronic submission system for the preparation, delivery, review, correction, approval, and publication of permit application data. Allowing access to the Department of Environmental Protection’s electronic submission system by all persons, as well as multiple persons involved in the submission of a specific application or other project by those persons involved in the project.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/12/21; referred to Government Organization Committee

Creates a misdemeanor punishing installation of any device on a diesel powered vehicle that increases the vehicle's capacity to emit soot, smoke or other particulate emissions.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, referred to Technology and Infrastructure then Judiciary

This bill removes the cap on the number of gas and other type wells for which operators are required to pay annual oversight fees.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/17/25 and referred to the Committee on Energy and Public Works; and the House Committee on Finance.

This bill would provide the Public Service Commission the authority to require electric utilities to develop and implement plans for the efficient use, conservation and reduction of electricity usage. The bill sets forth goals to achieve electricity savings. The bill also requires electric utilities to submit plans for reaching those goals. The bill also provides for a self-direct option for large electricity customers.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/17/23, referred to Technology and Infrastructure, then Judiciary

This bill would change the method of calculating a rebate to customers generating their own electricity, relieve the Public Service Commission of the obligation to investigate net metering by looking at rules in other States, and require customer generators to comply with several national codes.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 1/17/23, referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Judiciary

Prohibiting altering of retrofitting diesel vehicles with any device or smoke stack that enhances the vehicles capacity to emit soot or smoke, or purposefully releasing significant amounts of soot or smoke while operating the vehicle.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 2/23/21; referred to Technology and Infrastructure Committee

This bill would direct the Public Service Commission West Virginia Public Energy Authority to (1) permit expedited recovery of costs to install pollution control equipment at coal-fired plants, (2) take steps to ensure that the 2019 levels of coal consumption by these plants are maintained, and (3) require each plant to have a 90-day supply of coal. Before any coal-fired plant could shut down, close, or be sold, the unanimous approval of several agencies and the Legislature's Joint Committee on Government and Finance must be obtained.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Energy Committee

This bill would remove the power from municipalities and county commissions to prohibit all terrain vehicles from paved roads.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/23/23, referred to Political Subdivisions, then Technology & Infrastructure

This bill repeals the section of the West Virginia code relating to additional registration fees for alternative fuel vehicles.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/27/25 and referred to House Finance Committee.

This bill allows the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) to install and monitor air quality using fenceline monitors near pollution-emitting facilities. It also provides technical support for individuals and groups wanting to monitor air quality in their communities. The bill encourages the WVDEP to utilize the collected data and permits individuals to submit their own data on air pollution to the secretary, who will follow up on any findings from the fenceline air quality monitoring.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: This bill was introduced on 3/4/25 and referred to the House Energy and Manufacturing committee.

Establishing an orderly and comprehensive planning and review process for evaluating and developing renewable energy sources for power generation that will employ West Virginians and transition to a post-coal economy. Renewables include solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and others. The bill establishes achievable targets for diversifying West Virginia’s energy production utilizing West Virginia resources. It authorizes a study commission to monitor progress towards achieving those goals.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Energy and Manufacturing Committee

HB 4035 would give coal-fired electric utilities a tax credit for environmental compliance costs.

Sponsors: Phil Mallow

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on Energy and Public Works then Finance.

HB 4038 amends the WV Clean Coal Technology Act to recognize coal as the only reliable source for electric power generation, limits the number of wind power projects that can operate in the state, and provides that for each new wind powered facility built in West Virginia, there is an offset in the amount of taxes paid by new and existing coal fired power plant.

Sponsors: Phil Mallow

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on Energy and Public Works then Finance

HB 4107 requires applicants to DEP for air or water permits to state lawful business activity or purpose for the permit applied for.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

HB 4109 removes the 400-well cap and makes the operator responsible on all their wells. Gas and oil drillers are responsible for a $350 fee on their first 400 wells that are not capped.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on Energy and Public Works.

Creates a statewide energy efficiency program designed to reduce energy waste, lower utility costs, and support job creation by encouraging energy efficiency investments in homes, businesses, and public buildings across West Virginia.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on Energy and Public Works

HB 4111 establishing a community solar program for subscribers to gain credits against their utility bills.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on Energy and Public Works then Finance.

HB 4127 repeals higher registration fees for alternative fuel vehicles.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on Finance

HB 4197 permits the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to install and monitor air quality using fenceline monitors near facilities that emit air pollution, provide technical assistance to individuals and groups that wish to monitor the air quality in their communities, encourage the Department of Environmental Protection to use the collected data; permit individuals to submit the data collected regarding air pollution to the secretary, and enable the secretary to follow up on any data found from fenceline air quality monitoring

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on Energy and Public Works

Creates a misdemeanor offense for modifying a diesel engine with a device that increases the soot or smoke produced.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/10/2024; referred to; referred to Technology and Infrastructure, then Judiciary

HB 4556 would eliminate net metering for public utilities in West Virginia by repealing the state law section that currently establishes net-metering and interconnection standards making it harder for residents, businesses, and communities to invest in distributed solar and other clean energy, while slowing progress on clean air, climate resilience, and energy affordability.

Sponsors: Patrick Martin

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/19/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 1/20/26.

HB 4805 proposes adding a new section (§17C-4-18) to the West Virginia Code that establishes procedures for environmental cleanup following motor vehicle crashes or other environmental hazards.

CWV Position: Supports

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

HB 4832 requires high-impact data centers to report and obtain approval for water use, authorizes DEP to restrict withdrawals to protect state water resources, and mandates public notice and hearings before approval.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen, John Williams, Sean Hornbuckle, Shawn Fluharty

CWV Position: Supports

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

HB 4838 would amend § 17A-10-3c of the West Virginia Code to raise additional annual registration fees for alternative fuel vehicles.

Sponsors: William Ridenour

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/27/26; referred to House Finance Committee on 1/27/26.

This bill subjects citizen-collected, community air monitoring data to regulation, and forbids its use by the DEP for regulatory purposes or for enforcement actions against polluters.

Sponsors: Clay Riley, Scot Heckert, Bob Fehrenbacher, Bill Anderson

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/23/2024; referred to Energy and Manufacturing; passed House 2/6/24; assigned to Senate Energy, Industry & Mining 2/8/24

HB 5039 would abolish the existing air pollution control provisions in §22-5-1 et seq. of the West Virginia Code and replace them with a new policy framework focused on carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Sponsors: Chris Anders, William Ridenour

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/2/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 2/2/26.

Forbidding the state from banning gas-powered vehicles in its fleet or mandating non-gas-powered vehicles.

Sponsors: Mickey Petitto, Michael Hornby

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/25/2024; referred to Government Organizations

Requiring EV charging stations installed in West Virginia to be universal, accommodating vehicles from all manufacturers.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/26/2024; referred to Technology and Infrastructure, then Finance

This bill increases the amounts that can be assessed of civil administrative penalties of the Department of Environmental Protection on individual or general construction stormwater West Virginia/National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits and General Water Pollution Control Permits for larger acreage permits.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/17/25 and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary then Finance.

This bill would impose a additional $100 annual fee on gas wells that are otherwise subject to fees at the time of permit application, but that produce 10,000 cubic feet per day.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, referred to Energy, Industry & Mining; passed out to Finance 2/3/23

SB 25 is legislation to create the West Virginia Coal Marketing Program, a state-level program aimed at protecting and expanding coal markets and coal facilities and addressing economic impacts that communities have experienced or may experience due to changes in the coal industry.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/14/26; referred to Finance Committee on 1/30/26.

This bill would require operators to make financial assurances for plugging before a new well permit is issued and assigns responsibility as between current and former owners for plugging transferred wells that have developed leaks or have contaminated groundwater.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Energy, Industry and Mining Committee

This bill would change the definition of above-ground storage tanks so as to permit locating tanks of 210 barrels or less containing brine or fracking fluid within the zone of critical concern immediately above a public source water intake.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Judiciary Committee

This bill seeks to prevent orphan wells by prohibiting the issuance of well permits unless the applicant provides "plugging assurance." Plugging assurance must also be provided by owners of wells not producing in paying quantities. Plugging assurance is provided by a bond, a cash payment, or an escrow account in the actual amount needed to plug a well as determined by the Office of Oil & Gas

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, referred to Energy, Industry & Mining then to Finance

This bill would improve the safety requirements for participants younger than 17, would enlarge the period of stream adoption to 3 years from the current 1 year, and require at least one clean-up per year.

Sponsors: Charles Trump

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, committee reference dispensed with, passed Senate unanimously 1/11/23, sent to House, referred to Government Organizations; passed House with amendment 1/27/23; Senate concurs in House amendment; sent to Governor 2/2/23; approved by Governor 2/27/23

This bill addresses water quality concerns affecting residents of WV by requiring the Department of Health to assess whether public water sources contain harmful levels of contaminants. Further, the DOH would provide water filtration equipment or technology to residents with unsafe water and establish provisions for rulemaking.

Sponsors: Laura Chapman

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced on 2/12/25 and referred to Senate Committee on Natural Resources; and then to Senate Committee on Finance

SB 222 seeks to update and strengthen regulation of public water systems in the state. Overall, the bill updates water system governance and operations to improve reliability, transparency, and workforce capacity.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 1/14/26; referred to Government Organization Committee on 1/14/26.

SB 266 seeks to amend and reenact § 64-5-1 of the West Virginia Code to authorize the Department of Health to promulgate a legislative rule relating to water well regulations.

Sponsors: Patricia Rucker

Status: Introduced on 1/15/26; referred to Judiciary Committee on 1/15/26.

This bill would approve changes to the human drinking water quality standards, weakening some and strengthening others. It also changes the review process for future changes in the standards by assigning the sole approval authority to the DEP without legislative review.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced in Senate 1/17/2022, referred to Judiciary Committee; passed Senate 1/31/22; referred to House Judiciary committee 2/1/22; passed House 2/11/22; Approved by Governor 2/21/2022

Similar in language and effect to HB 2589

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/19; referred to Energy, Industry and Mining Committee

SB 390 seeks to alter the conditions for how funds from the West Virginia Flood Resiliency Trust Fund are disbursed by modernizing and improving how flood resiliency funding is deployed across West Virginia, including prioritizing vulnerable communities and proactive mitigation actions in response to recent and future flood risks.

Sponsors: Randy Smith

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/15/26; referred to House Government Organization Committee 1/30/26.

Similar in language and effect to HB 2598

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 2/23/21; referred to Judiciary Committee

SB 420's goals are to: 1) Restore electric rate stability by prioritizing in-state coal and natural-gas generation. 2) Preserve employment and investment in West Virginia’s coal and natural-gas industries. 3) Coordinate with the Electric Grid Stabilization and Security Fund to maintain reliable baseload and mid-load generation.

Sponsors: Mike Azinger

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/15/26; referred to Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee 1/15/26. Passed Senate on 3/4/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 3/5/26.

SB 457 is legislation concerning water quality and assistance for residents whose public water supply is deemed unsafe.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 1/16/26; referred to Natural Resources Committee on 1/16/26.

Similar to HB 3189. Requires the DEP to identify and address PFAS sources impacting public water systems; requires facilities that have recently used PFAS chemicals to report their use to DEP, requires permits to be updated to require monitoring of PFAS chemicals for facilities that report their use; and requires DEP to propose rules to adopt water quality criteria for certain PFAS chemicals after they are finalized by the USEPA.

Sponsors: Charles Trump, Jason Barrett

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/26/23, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources, then Finance; passed out of Agriculture and Natural Resources as committee substitute 2/7/23

This bill would create a system of fees and oversight to plug and prevent orphan gas and oil wells.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/25/2024, referred to Energy, Industry and Mining, then Finance

This bill creates economic incentives for data centers to locate within the state and incentivizes the centers torely on locally sourced coal generated electricity. The bill also provides an exemption from the B&O tax for all coal-generated electricity sold to qualifying data centers and provides a sales tax exemption for all personal property sold to and used in the construction or maintenance of a qualifying data center.

Sponsors: Randy Smith

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/24/25 and referred to the Senate Committee on Economic Development; and then to Senate Committee on Finance]

This bill removes the requirement for certified inspectors to assess oil and gas waste tanks, exempting over 700 tanks located closest to drinking water sources.

Sponsors: Patrick Martin

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/25/25 and referred to Senate Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining. This bill passed the Senate on 3/14/25 and was referred to the House Energy and Public Works Committee on 3/17/25.

SB 648 proposes a new state law called the Strategic and Critical Resources Act. Its main purpose is to set statewide rules for the extraction and regulation of strategic and critical resources—important minerals and materials related to national security, energy reliability, infrastructure, and economic stability.

Sponsors: Robbie Morris, Ben Queen, Chris Rose, Patricia Rucker, Darren Thorne, Chris Phillips

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/28/26; referred to Judiciary Committee on 1/28/26.

SB 641 proposes changes to state law governing aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) and how they are defined and regulated under the West Virginia Code.

Sponsors: Chris Rose, Patricia Rucker

CWV Position: Opposes

Status:

Introduced on 1/28/26; referred to Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee 1/28/26. Passed the Senate on 3/4/26; introduced to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 3/5/26.

SB 648 proposes a new state law called the Strategic and Critical Resources Act. Its main purpose is to set statewide rules for the extraction and regulation of strategic and critical resources—important minerals and materials related to national security, energy reliability, infrastructure, and economic stability.

Sponsors: Robbie Morris, Ben Queen, Chris Rose, Patricia Rucker, Darren Thorne, Chris Phillips, Randy Smith

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/28/26; referred to the Judiciary Committee on 1/28/26. Passed the Senate on 2/18/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 2/20/26. Passed the House on 3/13/26; sent to Governor on 3/14/26.

SB 711 relates to highway drainage and protection of private property from concentrated highway runoff.

Sponsors: Robbie Morris

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/2/26; referred to Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on 2/2/26.

SB 769 would create a new litter control and cleanup law in West Virginia by adding an article to the state code focused on coordinated statewide efforts to control litter and clean up illegal dumps and environmental waste.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/5/26; referred to Government Organization Committee on 2/5/26.

SB 942 primary purpose is to establish a new framework to encourage development of advanced-baseload energy projects in the state.

Sponsors: Glenn Jeffries

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced on 2/13/26; referred to Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee on 2/13/26.

Currently, the Office of Oil & Gas has too few inspectors and is funded only by a $100 fee paid by an operator at the time of permit application. This bill would require that a $100 fee be paid by the operator annually on all wells that have not been plugged.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, referred to Energy & Manufacturing then to Finance

Expanding the “limit of disturbance” from a horizontal well from 650 to 1,500 feet from an occupied dwelling structure. Requires the operator set up continuous real-time monitoring of air, noise, light and dust and particulates at the residence or other point of impact and continuously monitor those parameters in real time. If any monitored parameters are exceeded more than 5 minutes in any 24 hour period, the operator is required to implement the maximum available control technology available to limit the levels.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/10/21; referred to Energy & Manufacturing Committee

Among other things, creates the same expanded “limit of disturbance” and remedial obligations as HB 2074

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/10/21; referred to Energy & Manufacturing Committee

This bill increases the limit of disturbance to 1500 feet from an occupied dwelling, imposes a real-time air, noise, dust and particulate monitoring obligation on the well operator, and requires consideration of the surface property's highest and best use, not actual use, when figuring compensation for reduction in value.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Energy and Manufacturing Committee, then Judiciary Committee

Requiring the Commissioner of Bureau for Public Health to conduct a public health impact assessment of any new air or water rule, or modification of an existing air or water rule, proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection. The bill also requires that the findings in the impact statement be incorporated into the proposed rule.

Sponsors: Chuck Horst

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 2/10/21; referred to Health & Human Resources Committee.

Requiring the Commissioner of Bureau for Public Health to conduct a public health impact assessment of any new air or water rule, or modification of an existing air or water rule, proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection. The bill also requires that the findings in the impact statement be incorporated into the proposed rule.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Health and Human Resources Committee

Requiring the Commissioner of Bureau for Public Health to conduct a public health impact assessment of any new air or water rule, or modification of an existing air or water rule, proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection. The bill also requires that the findings in the impact statement be incorporated into the proposed rule.

Sponsors: Chuck Horst

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 2/10/21; referred to Health & Human Resources Committee.

Requiring DEP to maintain an electronic submission system for the preparation, delivery, review, correction, approval, and publication of permit application data. Allowing access to the Department of Environmental Protection’s electronic submission system by all persons, as well as multiple persons involved in the submission of a specific application or other project by those persons involved in the project.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/12/21; referred to Government Organization Committee

Treating certain dumping of industrial waste into state waters as litter and providing specific misdemeanor and civil penalties for such dumping.

Sponsors: William Ridenour

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 2/16/21; referred to Judiciary Committee

This bill would require operators to set aside plugging funds whenever a new well permit is issued and assigns responsibility as between current and former owners for plugging transferred wells that have developed leaks or have contaminated groundwater. Further, to obtain a permit for a new well an operator must plug all orphaned and abandoned wells in the area to be drained by the new well.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/17/21; referred to Energy and Manufacturing Committee

This bill would change the definition of above-ground storage tanks so as to permit locating these tanks containing brine or fracking fluid within the area immediately above a public source water intake. A floor amendment in the House shifted inspection of tanks completely to tank owners.

Sponsors: Chuck Horst

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 2/18/21; referred to Energy and Manufacturing Committee; 2/24/21 passed out of E&M Committee but referred to Health and Human Resources Committee; passed out of Health and Human Resources Committee 3/5/21; Passed House 3/10/21; Introduced in Senate 3/12/21; referred to Judiciary Committee 3/12/21;

This bill exempts tanks containing brine or other fluids used in hydrocarbon production of 210 barrels or less located in the zone of critical concern nearest to drinking water intakes from inspection by the DEP. Inspection responsibility would be shifted entirely to the tank owners.

Sponsors: Chuck Horst

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/12/22, referred to Energy and Manufacturing Committee; 2/10/22 committee substitute bill; 2/14/22 House floor amendment; 2/15/22 passed House and sent to Senate; introduced in Senate 2/16/22, referred to Energy, Industry and Mining Committee; tabled

The purpose of this bill is to provide stable and adequate funding to the Office of Oil and Gas of the DEP in order to oversee oil and gas wells' compliance with the law for the life of the wells. The Office currently is only funded by one-time fees generated by the applications for the permits for initial drilling of a well. It only has a reduced staff of 25 including only one inspector for every 5000 wells. The bill provides the funding by requiring an annual oversight fee of $100 for each well that is to be used for the functions of the Office of Oil and Gas with any excess to be used to plug orphaned wells.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Energy Committee

Directs DHHR to establish maximum contaminant levels for PFAs, creates PFA Action Response Team and requires manufacturers to disclose uses of PFAs in manufacturing processes, among other things.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/24/21; referred to Health and Human Resources Committee

This bill seeks to prevent orphan gas and oil wells by requiring a fee paid into an escrow set-aside fund for each well as a condition of receiving a drilling permit. The fee would be based on consideration by the Office of Oil & Gas of several factors, including the actual cost of plugging, the well production schedule and market conditions.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/20/23, referred to Energy & Manufacturing then Judiciary

This bill directs the State Fire Commission to find a method of disposing of used or accumulated Class B firefighting foam containing added PFAS chemicals, including contracting with disposal companies.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/20/23, referred to Fire Departments and EMS Committee, then Government organizations; passed out to Government Organizations 2/16/23; to House 2/27/23; passed House 2/27/23, referred to Senate Government Organization committee 2/28/23; passed Senate 3/6/23; approved by Governor 3/26/23

This bill defines karst terrain, declares that drinking water derived from karst terrain involves significant risk of contamination, and requires any permit issued for activities that may affect groundwater in karst terrain to be supported by a risk assessment and a plan to contain and monitor any identified risk to groundwater.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 3/8/21; referred to Health and Human Resources Committee

This bill sets reporting requirements for underground water extracted in growth counties. Further, it directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to oversee the development of a comprehensive water management plan, considering factors such as surface and groundwater resources, water withdrawals, and infrastructure needs. The bill also requires large water users to report their monthly water withdrawals annually to the DEP.

Sponsors: Joe Funkhouser

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/27/25; referred to the House Committee on Energy and Public Works

The bill requires the DEP to identify and address PFAS sources impacting public water systems; requires facilities that have recently used PFAS chemicals to report their use to DEP, requires permits to be updated to require monitoring of PFAS chemicals for facilities that report their use; and requires DEP to propose rules to adopt water quality criteria for certain PFAS chemicals after they are finalized by the USEPA.

Sponsors: Chuck Horst, John Hardy, Wayne Clark

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/31/23, referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Judiciary; passed out to Judiciary 2/10/23 with amendment; Judiciary substitute bill passed out to House 2/21/23; passed House 2/24/23; referred to Senate Government Organization 2/25/23; amended 3/8/23; passed Senate 3/9/23; House concurs in Senate amendment 3/10/23; approved by Governor 3/11/23

This bill creates the West Virginia Clean Water Act of 2025, aimed at improving water quality standards, testing for and removing various contaminants, and replacing lead service lines in all public water systems.

Sponsors: Evan Worrell

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 3/17/25; referred to the House Committee on Energy and Public Works then Finance.

Requires an operator to provide plugging money escrow funds when applying for new permits or when transferring ownership of a well. No new well permit would be issued to an operator of other wells that have not been in use for 12 consecutive months unless the operator provides certain assurances or places plugging funds into escrow. Plugging money must be set aside by operators of producing wells. In order to obtain a permit to drill a new well, the driller must agree to plug all orphaned wells in the leased area that will be drained by the new drilling.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Energy and Manufacturing Committee, then Judiciary

The bill directs the DHHR to propose maximum contaminant levels or treatment techniques for certain PFAS pollutants; creates the West Virginia PFAS Action Response Team to act as an advisory body within DEP; requires reports from facilities using certain PFAS chemicals; requires the DEP to propose updates to the numeric Public Water Supply human health criteria; and requires the Secretaries of DEP and DHHR to promulgate legislative rules.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Health and Human Resources Committee, then Judiciary

This bill creates a structure for the development of geothermal energy in West Virginia by identifying geothermal energy as a “different resource” than other mineral resources and declaring that that no mineral estate will include geothermal energy unless specifically contained in the deed. The jurisdiction over geothermal energy is placed with the DEP to develop a permitting program for geothermal drilling and exploration and rules governing the use of spent geothermal fluid.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/17/22; referred to Energy and Manufacturing Committee, then to Judiciary; referred to House Judiciary 1/27/22; passed out of Judiciary to the full House 2/7/22; introduced in Senate 2/11/22, referred to Energy Industry and Mining Committee, then Judiciary 2/11/22

HB 4107 requires applicants to DEP for air or water permits to state lawful business activity or purpose for the permit applied for.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

HB 4516 would amend the West Virginia Code to allow conservation districts to partially reimburse property owners (“cooperators”) for certain septic system services.

Sponsors: Larry Kump

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 1/19/26; referred to House Local Governments Committee on 1/20/26.

HB 4537 would require municipalities and public service districts to take specific actions when potential customers apply to be connected to public water or sewer service.

Sponsors: Gary Howell, Glenn Jeffries, Tom Willis

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 1/19/26; referred to House Environment, Infrastructure, and Technology Committee on 1/19/26.

HB 4615 proposes creation of the Public Water Supply Reform Act of 2026. Its primary aim is to change how public water systems operate and communicate, especially concerning aboveground storage tanks and transparency in water system operations.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 1/20/26; referred to House Environment, Infrastructure, and Technology Committee on 1/20/26.

HB 4642 proposes creating a new West Virginia Clean Water Act of 2026 to strengthen drinking water safety, modernize standards, improve infrastructure, and protect public health throughout the state.

Sponsors: Evan Worrell, Michael Hite

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 1/21/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 1/21/26.

HB 4669 proposes to create a new article in the West Virginia Code called the “Safe Drinking Water Act.” Its primary purpose is to prohibit the addition of fluoride to public water systems in the state.

Sponsors: Lisa White

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/21/26; referred to House Health and Human Resources Committee on 1/21/26.

HB 4675 seeks to prohibit any government entity in West Virginia from charging property owners based on rainfall/runoff volume, effectively eliminating localized stormwater fees tied to property characteristics.

Sponsors: Chris Anders, Lisa White, Laura Kimble, Larry Kump, Wayne Clark

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/21/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 1/21/26.

HB 4683 establishes new protections for groundwater, aquifers, and private wells, recognizing them as finite and essential resources. The bill specifically aims to prevent depletion of groundwater by data centers and ensure industrial development doesn’t compromise water resources or burden the public.

Sponsors: Chris Anders, Laura Kimble, Larry Kump

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 1/21/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works on 1/21/26.

The bill repeals the requirement that consumers connect to available public sewer systems.

Sponsors: Phil Mallow, Larry Kump, Keith Marple, Scot Heckert, Chuck Horst, Eric Householder, William Ridenour

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 1/16/2024; referred to Government Organizations

HB 4805 proposes adding a new section (§17C-4-18) to the West Virginia Code that establishes procedures for environmental cleanup following motor vehicle crashes or other environmental hazards.

CWV Position: Supports

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

HB 4832 requires high-impact data centers to report and obtain approval for water use, authorizes DEP to restrict withdrawals to protect state water resources, and mandates public notice and hearings before approval.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen, John Williams, Sean Hornbuckle, Shawn Fluharty

CWV Position: Supports

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

HB 4949 seeks to regulate how state agencies can adopt legislative rules concerning chemicals of emerging concern.

Sponsors: Matthew Rohrbach, Bob Fehrenbacher, Michael Hornby

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/29/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 1/29/26.

The bill would amend the current plugging statute by adding more precise plugging requirements, new marking requirements for the benefit of landowners, and requirements to notify the county clerk of well locations.

Sponsors: Clay Riley, Scot Heckert, Bob Fehrenbacher, Bill Anderson

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/122/2024; referred to Energy and Manufacturing

HB 5008 proposes to amend West Virginia’s Water Resources Protection Act to add new definitions and reporting requirements focused on groundwater use, especially in areas known as growth counties (which have majority karst terrain).

Sponsors: Joe Funkhouser, William Ridenour, Ian Masters

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 1/30/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 1/30/26.

HB 5009 amends §8A-7-10 of the West Virginia Code to clarify how zoning ordinances apply, specifically by defining the term “use” in zoning law. It focuses on protecting certain activities and landowner rights from local zoning restrictions.

Sponsors: Joe Funkhouser, William Ridenour, Ian Masters

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/30/26; referred to House Government Organization Committee on 1/30/26.

This bill provides further assurances to EPA that West Virginia should be responsible for enforcing underground carbon storage regulations. It focuses on changes to rules relating to management of post-injection monitoring and releases of liability.

Sponsors: Scot Heckert, Bill Anderson

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/23/2024; referred to Energy and Manufacturing; passed House 2/5/24, committee reference bypassed; passed Senate with amendment 2/9/24; House concurs 2/23/24

The purpose of this bill is to remove the cap on the number of gas and other type wells for which operators are required to pay annual oversight fees.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/23/2024; referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Finance

This bill creates exceptions for when a dry well must be plugged and prohibits any cause of action by any party as a result of the changes.

Sponsors: Scot Heckert, Bill Anderson, Bob Fehrenbacher

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/25/2024; referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Judiciary; passed out of Energy to Judiciary 2/2/24

HB 5173 seeks to strengthen and expand laws against littering and illegal dumping, especially in rural areas, by increasing penalties, clarifying enforcement, and establishing new programs and funds to help prevent and clean up illegal waste disposal.

Sponsors: Gary Howell, Phil Mallow

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/4/26; referred to House Judiciary Committee on 2/4/26.

The purpose of this bill is to require municipal/public water utilities and public service districts shall set aside funds to ensure the delivery of free bottled water when normal water service is disrupted.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/30/2024; referred to Political Subdivisions, then to Technology and Infrastructure

This bill seeks to prevent orphan gas and oil wells by requiring an operator to post a bond covering the full cost of plugging, or pay into a set-aside fund payments sufficient to plug the well at the end of its useful life.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen, Mickey Petitto

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/1/2024; referred to Energy

HB 5414 is designed to prevent new oil and gas wells — especially horizontal wells — from becoming orphaned and left unplugged, which can harm landowners, property values, groundwater, and the environment.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen, Mickey Petitto

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/10/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 2/10/26.

HB 5415 aims to prevent oil and gas wells from becoming “orphaned” — meaning wells left without a responsible operator or bonding to ensure they are properly plugged and reclaimed — and to require financial assurances so that wells are eventually plugged and don’t pose environmental or property risks.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen, Mickey Petitto

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/10/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 2/10/26.

HB 5590 would add a new section to the West Virginia Code concerning water quantity disclosure and review for certified high-impact data centers.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/16/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 2/16/26.

HB 5611 amends and reenacts § 5B-2-21b of the West Virginia Code to clarify how high-impact data centers and microgrid district projects are managed—especially in counties with majority karst hydrogeology (areas with soluble rock where groundwater concerns are significant).

Sponsors: Joe Funkhouser, William Ridenour

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/16/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 2/16/26.

HB 5620 would amend § 5B-2-21b of the West Virginia Code, dealing with the Department of Economic Development’s authority regarding “certified microgrid district” and “certified high impact data center” projects.

Sponsors: Laura Kimble

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/16/26; referred to House Judiciary Committee on 2/16/26.

HB 5646 stated purpose is to “jumpstart” the State Resiliency and Flood Protection Act by providing funding and structure so that the Resiliency Office can begin assisting flood-prone areas in undertaking preventive and protective actions.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced on 2/17/26; referred to House Government Organization Committee on 2/17/26.

This bill eliminates the requirement to use a four-and-a-half casing for modern or newer wells and removes the mandate to remove intermediate or surface casings for older wells, as long as other regulations are followed.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: This bill was Introduced March 13, 2025 and referred to the Committee on Energy and Public Works. It passed the House on 3/24/25 and was referred to the Senate Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee on 3/25/25. This bill passed out of committee on 4/2/25 and ultimately passed into law on 4/11/25 after passage out of the full Senate.

The purpose of this bill is to repeal the law that bans construction of nuclear power plants. Similar in effect to HB 2882.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Economic Development Committee; 1/24/22 to Senate on second reading; 1/28/22 sent to House for second reading; passed by House sent to Governor; 2/8/22 approved by Governor.

This bill requires West Virginia oil and gas well operators to set aside money for future well plugging by mandating that newly drilled and transferred wells must either post a single well plugging bond or have the driller/operator begin depositing a small percentage of the well's revenue into the State Treasurer’s office for future plugging. For active wells, operators are required to pay 15¢ per MCF into the State Treasurer’s office for future plugging. Additionally, horizontal well operators must plug any "abandoned" conventional wells within the drainage area of their horizontal well and can recover the plugging costs from the operator of those conventional wells.

Sponsors: Randy Smith

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/12/25 and referred to Senate Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee

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

CWV Position: Opposes

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

The bill would repeal WV Code 17a-10-3c imposing additional registration fees for hybrid and electric vehicles.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, then Finance Committee

SB 20 aims to restrict the inclusion of wind and solar-related costs in future utility rate increases, shifting how energy project costs factor into ratemaking. It also establishes reporting requirements to monitor impact on rates and reliability.

Sponsors: Chris Rose, Chris Phillips, Laura Chapman

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/14/26; referred to Government Organization Committee 1/30/26.

This bill allows the Director of the Division of Natural Resources to assess a Wildlife Impact Fee on any operator of a wind power project that injures or kills a protected species of animal.

Sponsors: Randy Smith

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/12/25 and referred to Senate Committee on Natural Resources; and then to Senate Committee on Finance. The bill passed the Natural Resources Committee on 3/13/25 and was referred to the Finance Committee.

SB 23 clarifies that wind power projects are not pollution control facilities for certain purposes under state tax law, and provides that such projects are to be taxed as real property rather than receiving pollution-control tax treatment.

Sponsors: Chris Rose, Chris Phillips, Darren Thorne

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/14/26; referred to Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee on 1/14/26.

SB 24 proposes to add a new section to the West Virginia Code to establish the West Virginia Intrastate Energy Use Act.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/14/26; referred to Judiciary Committee on 1/14/26.

The bill establishes the West Virginia Coal Marketing Program to be administered by the Governor. An initial appropriation of $1 million from the general fund would be allocated to the program, with a focus on public-benefit projects aimed at expanding and protecting coal markets.

Sponsors: Randy Smith

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/12/25 and referred to Senate Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining; and then to Senate Committee on Finance

This bill would impose a replacement cost upon operators of wind power projects where protected bird species are killed in turbines and other machinery.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources, then Finance

Makes legislative findings supporting private ownership of alternative energy generating systems, and the desirability of not treating these owners as public utilities. Creates an exception to the definition of public utilities for companies owning renewable and alternative energy generation facilities located on the customer’s property and designed to meet the customer’s electrical needs that are (1) leased to the customer, or (2) the power from which is sold to the customer through a power-purchase agreement.

Sponsors: Charles Trump

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/10/21; referred to Economic Development Committee

This bill creates a community solar program where subscribers can purchase an interest in a solar facility and use credits against their electric utility costs, helping West Virginia ratepayers save money. The bill also gives the Public Service Commission authority over the administration and rule making of a pilot program.

Sponsors: Mike Oliverio

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/12/25 and referred to Senate Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining; and then to Senate Committee on Finance

This bill would require operators to make financial assurances for plugging before a new well permit is issued and assigns responsibility as between current and former owners for plugging transferred wells that have developed leaks or have contaminated groundwater.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Energy, Industry and Mining Committee

This bill establishes a tax $3 tax per megawatt of electricity produced for sale or trade on the production of electricity from wind and solar resources in West Virginia. The tax collected will be distributed to the 55 counties based on the number of volunteer fire departments in compliance with the state's Open Checkbook policy. These funds are then allocated to the volunteer fire departments within each county.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/12/25 and referred to Senate Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining; and then referred to Senate Committee on Finance.

SB 73 seeks to ensure that solar farms are treated as non-agricultural in state statutes governing property appraisal and agricultural classifications — which could affect valuation, taxation, and eligibility for certain agricultural programs or incentives.

Sponsors: Patricia Rucker, Chris Rose, Darren Thorne, Tom Willis

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced on 1/14/26; referred to Finance Committee on 2/05/26.

SB 82 seeks to create a new excise tax on the production of electricity from wind and solar power sources.

Sponsors: Chris Phillips, Chris Rose, Darren Thorne

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/14/26; referred to Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee on 1/14/26.

The additional registration fee for alternative fuel vehicles, designed to even the cost of road maintenance among all types of vehicles, would be repealed. CWV Position: Opposes. While making alternative fuel vehicles more attractive is desirable, this bill creates environmental justice issues because it shifts the cost of road maintenance to those who may not be able to afford alternative fuel vehicles

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 2/10/21; referred to Transportation & Infrastructure Committee

This bill seeks to prevent orphan wells by prohibiting the issuance of well permits unless the applicant provides "plugging assurance." Plugging assurance must also be provided by owners of wells not producing in paying quantities. Plugging assurance is provided by a bond, a cash payment, or an escrow account in the actual amount needed to plug a well as determined by the Office of Oil & Gas

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, referred to Energy, Industry & Mining then to Finance

SB 118 requires landowners and forest carbon developers to register each carbon credit agreement and establishes civil penalties for noncompliance.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining; and then to the Committee on Finance.

This bill authorizes the leasing and development of state-owned "pore spaces" underlying state forests, natural and scenic areas and wildlife management areas for the purpose of carbon sequestration. State parks are excluded. Leasing would be to the highest auction bidder. The Director of DNR can award leases without competitive bidding under certain circumstances.

Sponsors: Charles Trump, Craig Blair

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/12/23, committee reference dispensed with, passed Senate unanimously 1/12/23, sent to House, referred to Judiciary, passed with amendment and made effective from passage 1/19/23; approved by Governor 1/24/23

This bill would direct all state agencies to streamline their procedures to make the generation of electricity from natural gas easier, and direct the Secretary of Economic Development to locate appropriate sites for the construction of generating plants, providing several criteria. It would set time limits to expedite any application for a siting certificate before the PSC and other permits required for the construction of a generating facility.

Sponsors: Charles Trump

CWV Position:

We support natural gas generation, but not expedited approval of sites based on narrow criteria.

Status: Introduced 1/13/23; referred to Economic Development; committee substitute bill 1/26/23; passed Senate 2/1/23; sent to House 2/1/23, referred to Economic Development & Tourism; passed out to full House 2/16/23; amended 3/2/23; passed House 3/3/23; approved by Governor 3/28/23

SB 230 would add a new article to the West Virginia Code requiring electric utilities to offer customers a choice in the type of electrical meter installed at their property.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/14/26; referred to Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee 1/14/26.

This bill is to provide a rebate of $100 for owners of hybrid vehicles.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/12/25 and referred to Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; and then to Senate Committee on Finance

This bill prohibits State agencies and employees from participating in the enforcement of federal acts, laws, or regulations regarding extractive resources (such as coal, oil, gas, and timber) unless those laws exist under state law.

Sponsors: Patrick Martin

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/12/25 and referred to Senate Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining; and then to Senate Committee on Judiciary. The bill passed the Energy Committee on 3/11/25 and was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Refunding extra $100 registration fee for hybrid vehicles.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 1/12/2024, referred to Transportation and Infrastructure, then Finance

SB 375 would authorize the WV Division of Forestry to promulgate a legislative rule concerning rules for the certification of managed timberland.

Sponsors: Patricia Rucker

Status: Introduced on 1/15/26; reported in Com. Sub. for S. B. 374 on 1/28/26.

SB 420's goals are to: 1) Restore electric rate stability by prioritizing in-state coal and natural-gas generation. 2) Preserve employment and investment in West Virginia’s coal and natural-gas industries. 3) Coordinate with the Electric Grid Stabilization and Security Fund to maintain reliable baseload and mid-load generation.

Sponsors: Mike Azinger

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/15/26; referred to Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee 1/15/26. Passed Senate on 3/4/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 3/5/26.

SB 423 proposes changes related to public power purchase agreements and the Public Service Commission’s jurisdiction.

Sponsors: Chris Phillips, Tom Willis

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/15/26; referred to Judiciary Committee on 1/15/26.

SB 424 proposes to amend existing state law to establish the Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026.

Sponsors: Chris Phillips, Chris Rose, Tom Willis

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/15/26; referred to Finance Committee on 1/30/26.

The bill seeks to induce businesses that consume large amount of energy to locate in West Virginia by offering a tax credit in exchange for the promise of creating 25 jobs.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/17/2024; referred to Finance

The purpose of this bill is to protect ratepayers from paying for underperforming assets, particularly as the state transitions away from fossil fuel-based generation. The focus is on ensuring that new energy assets are reliable and cost-effective, especially during times of peak demand.

Sponsors: Patrick Martin

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/14/25 and referred to Senate Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining; and then referred to Senate Committee on Government Organization. The bill second reference to Government Organization was dispensed with and the bill passed the Senate on 3/27/25.

SB 514 is a bill proposing to prohibit geoengineering activities in West Virginia.

Sponsors: Patricia Rucker, Chris Rose

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/20/26; referred to Natural Resources Committee on 1/20/26.

This bill would create a system of fees and oversight to plug and prevent orphan gas and oil wells.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/25/2024, referred to Energy, Industry and Mining, then Finance

This bill establishes the Sound Science in Regulations Act, providing that no state agency may propose or effectuate a regulatory action unless it is based on the best available science. Further, it prevents state agencies from using the best available science, considering public health research and would involve nearly every aspect of state agency regulations, including all advisories and rules and standards.

Sponsors: Patricia Rucker

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/26/25 and referred to the Senate Committee on Government Organization.

Creating an exclusive state-run and regulated market for carbon credits in West Virginia.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 2/2/2024, referred to Government Organization, then Finance; passed Senate 2/28/24; referred to House Finance 2/29/24

SB 623 is a piece of legislation aimed at attracting large data centers to the state by offering targeted economic incentives, particularly tying those incentives to the use of coal-generated electricity and other taxable benefits.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/27/26; referred to Economic Development Committee on 1/27/26.

Identical to HB 2159. Would enable consumers to buy shares in a solar installation and receive proportionate credit on utility bills as if their share of the solar power was generated by panels on their own property.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/14/23; referred to Senate Government Organization

SB 632 proposes to establish a new regulatory framework aimed at prohibiting unauthorized atmospheric intervention or geoengineering activities within or above the state of West Virginia.

Sponsors: Patricia Rucker

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/26/26; referred to Natural Resources Committee on 1/27/26.

Creates a community solar pilot program allowing participation by low-income and other consumers in the benefits of solar power although individually unable to mount solar panels at their home or business. Requires bill credit to be given to subscribing consumers for their share of solar power generated. Encourages location of community solar facilities on otherwise unfavorable land or in areas where it can be co-located with agriculture.

Sponsors: Mike Oliverio

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/5/2024, referred to Economic Development, then Finance

SB 648 proposes a new state law called the Strategic and Critical Resources Act. Its main purpose is to set statewide rules for the extraction and regulation of strategic and critical resources—important minerals and materials related to national security, energy reliability, infrastructure, and economic stability.

Sponsors: Robbie Morris, Ben Queen, Chris Rose, Patricia Rucker, Darren Thorne, Chris Phillips, Randy Smith

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/28/26; referred to the Judiciary Committee on 1/28/26. Passed the Senate on 2/18/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 2/20/26. Passed the House on 3/13/26; sent to Governor on 3/14/26.

SB 665 would ban geoengineering and weather-modification activities (like cloud seeding or releasing substances into the air to alter weather) over West Virginia, give the state authority to investigate and stop such actions, and impose penalties on anyone who violates the ban.

Sponsors: Patricia Rucker

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/29/26; referred to Natural Resources Committee on 1/29/26.

This bill would create a moratorium of 60 days from passage on any agreements designed to prevent timbering for the purpose of biologically sequestering carbon. This ostensibly would allow the legislature to address the issue carefully.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Originated in Senate Rules Committee 2/25/23; passed Senate unanimously 3/1/23; sent to House 3/1/23; referred to Energy & Manufacturing Committee 3/2/23; committee amendment 3/9/23; passed House 3/10/23; Senate amends House amendment 3/11/23 and requests House to concur

SB 790 would revise West Virginia’s energy policy framework by restructuring energy-related agencies and establishing a comprehensive statewide energy plan under the West Virginia Office of Energy.

Sponsors: Randy Smith

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/6/26; referred to Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee on 2/6/26.

Strongly disfavors carbon offset agreements by removing them from favorable tax treatment as managed timberlands, requiring the purchaser to register and pay an excise tax of as much as 50% of the value of the agreement to the landowner, and declaring it West Virginia public policy to void the restrictions on future timbering in private covenants, thereby jeopardizing conservation easements.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 2/16/24, referred to Finance; committee substitute 2/26/24; read third time 2/28/24; removed from calendar by Rules Committee 2/28/24

Establishes the full retail price of electricity as the bill credit price for solar energy and raises the cap for commercial customers.

Sponsors: Mike Oliverio

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/19/24, referred to Energy, Industry & Mining, then to Finance

The purpose of this bill is to authorize local units of government to adopt local energy efficiency partnership programs and to create districts to promote the use of energy efficiency improvements by owners of certain real property; to provide for the financing of such programs through voluntary property assessments, commercial lending, and other means; to authorize a local unit of government to issue bonds.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/11/23; referred to Government Organization, then Finance Committees

This bill requires that each public utility that is a member of a regional transmission organization submit information relating to the utility’s or an affiliate’s votes at a regional transmission organization meeting.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/12/25 and referred to House Committee on Energy and Public Works

This bill would authorize consumers to buy shares in a community solar installation and reap proportionate credits against their utility bills. Rulemaking and administration by the Public Service Commission.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Judiciary

This bill limits the number of permits to construct wind power installations generally in West Virginia; provides that for each new wind powered facility built in West Virginia, there is an offset in the amount of taxes paid by new and existing coal fired power plants; and ensures that coal remains the primary source of power in West Virginia during emergency weather events.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, referred to Energy & Manufacturing

This bill prohibits state agencies and local government units from restricting the sale or use of motor vehicles based on the energy sources used to power the vehicles.

Sponsors: Gary Howell

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/12/25 and referred to House Committee on Local Governments

Exempts coal mined or used within the borders of West Virginia from federal environmental regulation.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 2/10/21; referred to Energy & Manufacturing Committee

The purpose of this bill is to authorize local units of government to adopt local energy efficiency partnership programs and to create districts to promote the use of energy efficiency improvements by owners of certain real property. The bill provides for the financing of such programs through voluntary property assessments, commercial lending, and other means, and authorizes a local unit of government to issue bonds to fund the partnerships.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Government Organization Committee, then Finance

Defines purchase power agreements and recites benefits of those agreements to customers. Permits customers and developers to enter into PPAs as of January 1, 2022 on terms and conditions acceptable to all parties. Requires the Public Service Commission to propose governing rules for legislative approval.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/10/21; referred to Energy & Manufacturing Committee

This bill seeks to encourage development, transportation and use of electricity generated using West Virginia natural gas. It directs the Economic Development Authority to identify sites for generating facilities, and for timely decisions on construction by the Air Quality Board.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Government Organizations

This bill completely repeals §17A-10-3c of the Code, which imposes higher registration fees for alternate fuel vehicles that use less gas and pay correspondingly less tax to support highway maintenance.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, referred to Finance Committee

This bill rejects the authority of the federal government to regulate the mining and processing of coal occurring exclusively within the borders of West Virginia, and establishes that authority in the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Judiciary

Encouraging solar energy development on lands formerly used for mining and certain third-party co-generation projects, providing electricity for commercial, industrial and manufacturing businesses or institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations that are located in or will locate operations in West Virginia; authorizing the Public Service Commission to regulate the use of transmission and distribution lines to transport power from these facilities; providing that the solar operations and third-party co-generation projects are not regulated as a utility for providing electricity to these businesses; and authorizing the issuance of renewable energy certificates for renewable energy generated by eligible solar projects.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/10/21; referred to Energy & Manufacturing Committee

This bill provides that the limit of disturbance of a well site may not be closer to an occupied building than 2,500 feet.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/17/25 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Public Works.

This bill is establishes a community solar program that allows subscribers to purchase a share in a solar facility and apply credits to offset their electric utility costs. It also sets the parameters and conditions for the program and outlines the administration and rulemaking responsibilities of the Public Service Commission.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/17/25 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Public Works then the House Committee on Judiciary.

This bill eliminates the tax credit for solar, wind, or other renewable energy systems for corporate or other establishments or entities.

Sponsors: Chris Anders

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/17/25 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Public Work; and then the House Committee on Finance

This bill would provide the Public Service Commission the authority to require electric utilities to develop and implement plans for the efficient use, conservation and reduction of electricity usage. The bill sets forth goals to achieve electricity savings. The bill also requires electric utilities to submit plans for reaching those goals. The bill also provides for a self-direct option for large electricity customers.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/17/23, referred to Technology and Infrastructure, then Judiciary

This bill would change the method of calculating a rebate to customers generating their own electricity, relieve the Public Service Commission of the obligation to investigate net metering by looking at rules in other States, and require customer generators to comply with several national codes.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 1/17/23, referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Judiciary

Creates model, standardized contracts and prequalification for contractors performing energy savings work. Creates energy savings program to reduce energy use from all sources in state-owned buildings by 25% below 2020 levels by 2030, and creates benchmarking program to measure progress.

Sponsors: John Hardy, Wayne Clark

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced in House 2/23/21; referred to Energy and Manufacturing Committee 2/23/21; referred to Finance Committee 3/12/21; passed House 3/30/21; introduced in Senate 3/31/21 and referred to Government Organization Committee; referred to Finance Committee 4/6/21; passed Senate 4/10/21.

This bill would direct the Public Service Commission West Virginia Public Energy Authority to (1) permit expedited recovery of costs to install pollution control equipment at coal-fired plants, (2) take steps to ensure that the 2019 levels of coal consumption by these plants are maintained, and (3) require each plant to have a 90-day supply of coal. Before any coal-fired plant could shut down, close, or be sold, the unanimous approval of several agencies and the Legislature's Joint Committee on Government and Finance must be obtained.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Energy Committee

The purpose of this bill is to provide stable and adequate funding to the Office of Oil and Gas of the DEP in order to oversee oil and gas wells' compliance with the law for the life of the wells. The Office currently is only funded by one-time fees generated by the applications for the permits for initial drilling of a well. It only has a reduced staff of 25 including only one inspector for every 5000 wells. The bill provides the funding by requiring an annual oversight fee of $100 for each well that is to be used for the functions of the Office of Oil and Gas with any excess to be used to plug orphaned wells.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Energy Committee

This bill prohibits the injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus within the borders of this state into the atmosphere with the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity of the sunlight.

Sponsors: Chris Anders

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/21/25 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Public Works; and then the House Committee on Judiciary

This bill prevents governmental entities and spending units of the state of West Virginia from purchasing electric vehicles, as well as to prohibit government contracts for electric vehicles that may have been produced, in whole or in part, using forced labor.

Sponsors: William Ridenour

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/21/25 and referred to the House Committee on Government Organization; and then the House Committee on Judiciary.

The purpose of this bill is to authorize local units of government to adopt local energy efficiency partnership programs and to create districts to promote the use of energy efficiency improvements by owners of certain real property; to provide for the financing of such programs through voluntary property assessments, commercial lending, and other means; to authorize a local unit of government to issue bonds.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Government Organization, then Finance Committees

This bill would create a taskforce of industry and environmental group representatives to plan the future of any clean hydrogen projects in West Virginia

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/19/23, referred to Energy & Manufacturing; passed out to full House 2/27/23; passed House 2/28/23; referred to Senate Energy, Industry & Mining Committee 3/2/23; committee amendment 3/8/23; passed Senate 3/9/23; approved by Governor 3/28/23

This bill would encourage solar energy development on lands formerly used for mining and certain third-party co-generation projects, to provide electricity for commercial, industrial and manufacturing businesses or institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations that are located in or will locate operations in West Virginia; authorizing the Public Service Commission to regulate the use of transmission and distribution lines to transport power from these facilities; providing that the solar operations and third-party co-generation projects are not regulated as a utility for providing electricity to these businesses; and authorizing the issuance of renewable energy certificates for renewable energy generated by eligible solar projects.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/19/23, referred to Energy and Manufacturing then Judiciary

This bill seeks to prevent orphan gas and oil wells by requiring a fee paid into an escrow set-aside fund for each well as a condition of receiving a drilling permit. The fee would be based on consideration by the Office of Oil & Gas of several factors, including the actual cost of plugging, the well production schedule and market conditions.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/20/23, referred to Energy & Manufacturing then Judiciary

Seeks to repeal the limited ban on nuclear power in WV, which requires a showing (1) that there is a national facility that safely and permanently disposes of nuclear waste and has operated for 24 months, (2) that the construction of the new nuclear facility will be economically feasible for West Virginia rate payers, and (3) the proposed facility will comply with all applicable environmental protection laws.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Energy Committee; 1/21/22 referred to Government Organization Committee; 1/28/22 referred out to House on second reading; second reading 2/7/22

This bill would remove the power from municipalities and county commissions to prohibit all terrain vehicles from paved roads.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/23/23, referred to Political Subdivisions, then Technology & Infrastructure

This bill amends and repeals several sections of the West Virginia Code related to air pollution control. Further, it supports the continued use of carbon-based fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) to support modern life and economic development.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 2/26/25 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Public Works

This bill bans state participation in the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Accord.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/27/25 and referred to House Committee on Energy and Public Works.

The purpose of this bill is to limit the number of permits to construct wind power projects, wind power farms, or “windmills” for power to two per year, to provide that for each new wind powered facility built in West Virginia, there must be an offset in the amount of taxes paid by new and existing coal fired power plants. The bill also seeks to ensure that coal remains the primary source of power in West Virginia during emergency weather events.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Energy and Manufacturing Committee

This bill requires public notification of hazardous environmental spills.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 3/7/25; referred to the House Committee on Energy and Public Works.

Establishing an orderly and comprehensive planning and review process for evaluating and developing renewable energy sources for power generation that will employ West Virginians and transition to a post-coal economy. Renewables include solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and others. The bill establishes achievable targets for diversifying West Virginia’s energy production utilizing West Virginia resources. It authorizes a study commission to monitor progress towards achieving those goals.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Energy and Manufacturing Committee

The bill declares that any agreement to limit the development of land, minerals or timber for the purpose of carbon sequestration or carbon offsets longer than 20 years will be void, and imposes an excise tax on the proceeds from any such agreement of shorter duration.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 2/3/23, referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Finance; passed to Finance with amendment 2/8/23

This bill exempts certain solar energy facilities located on private property from the definition of public utility and permits the power generated from these facilities to be leased or sold to the retail electric customer to meet that customer's needs through purchase power agreements. The bill creates a cap on such power generation in the territory any one public utility of 3% of the utility's aggregate customer peak demand.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Originated in House Judiciary Committee 3/26/21; passed House 3/31/21; introduced in Senate 4/1/21; referred to Senate Judiciary Committee 4/1/21; passed Senate 4/8/21; House concurs in Senate amendment and passed bill 4/8/21

This bill prevents oil and gas wells from becoming orphaned on surface owners' land without a responsible driller or operator capable of plugging the well. It establishes procedures to prevent orphaned wells and mandates that plugging funds be set aside in escrow with the Office of the State Treasurer.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 3/17/25; referred to the House Committee on Energy and Public Works then Finance.

This bill prevents new horizontally drilled oil and gas wells, which cease production and have no legitimate future use, from remaining unplugged after not producing for a continuous period of 12 months. It also aims to prevent such wells from becoming orphaned on a surface owner's land without a responsible driller or operator capable of plugging the well.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 3/17/25; referred to the House Committee on Energy and Public Works then Finance.

HB 4035 would give coal-fired electric utilities a tax credit for environmental compliance costs.

Sponsors: Phil Mallow

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on Energy and Public Works then Finance.

HB 4038 amends the WV Clean Coal Technology Act to recognize coal as the only reliable source for electric power generation, limits the number of wind power projects that can operate in the state, and provides that for each new wind powered facility built in West Virginia, there is an offset in the amount of taxes paid by new and existing coal fired power plant.

Sponsors: Phil Mallow

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on Energy and Public Works then Finance

This bill creates a structure for the development of geothermal energy in West Virginia by identifying geothermal energy as a “different resource” than other mineral resources and declaring that that no mineral estate will include geothermal energy unless specifically contained in the deed. The jurisdiction over geothermal energy is placed with the DEP to develop a permitting program for geothermal drilling and exploration and rules governing the use of spent geothermal fluid.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/17/22; referred to Energy and Manufacturing Committee, then to Judiciary; referred to House Judiciary 1/27/22; passed out of Judiciary to the full House 2/7/22; introduced in Senate 2/11/22, referred to Energy Industry and Mining Committee, then Judiciary 2/11/22

HB 4109 removes the 400-well cap and makes the operator responsible on all their wells. Gas and oil drillers are responsible for a $350 fee on their first 400 wells that are not capped.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on Energy and Public Works.

Creates a statewide energy efficiency program designed to reduce energy waste, lower utility costs, and support job creation by encouraging energy efficiency investments in homes, businesses, and public buildings across West Virginia.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on Energy and Public Works

HB 4111 establishing a community solar program for subscribers to gain credits against their utility bills.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on Energy and Public Works then Finance.

HB 4127 repeals higher registration fees for alternative fuel vehicles.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on Finance

Allows units of local government to create partnerships with residents, and to create districts, all for the purpose of adopting measures to reduce the consumption of energy. Local governments could finance the installation of insulation, storm windows, and the like.

Sponsors: Bill Anderson

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/10/2024; referred to; referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Finance

This bill would require agreements between West Virginia landowners and outside firms limiting development on that land for carbon offset purposes to register the agreements with the WV Tax Commissioner. It declares it the public policy of the state to encourage land development and timber harvesting. It limits carbon offset agreements that would impede that development to 40 years.

Sponsors: Wayne Clark

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 2/1/22, referred to Energy and Manufacturing committee, then Finance; Committee substitute introduced 2/8/11; substitute bill passed out of committee 2/9/22; first reading 3/12/22

The purpose of this bill is to establish a new legal and regulatory framework for drilling of injection wells and operation of facilities for the underground sequestration of injected carbon dioxide and for the state to pursue primacy authorization for oversight and enforcement of laws for underground carbon dioxide sequestration. The bill creates safety requirements for all sequestration of carbon injected into underground cavities and establishes liability for accidents.

Sponsors: William Ridenour, Wayne Clark

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 1/31/22; referred to Energy and Manufacturing Committee, then Judiciary; committee substitute 2/21/22; passed House 2/24/22; no committee referral; passed Senate 3/1/22; sent to Governor 3/17/22

HB 4556 would eliminate net metering for public utilities in West Virginia by repealing the state law section that currently establishes net-metering and interconnection standards making it harder for residents, businesses, and communities to invest in distributed solar and other clean energy, while slowing progress on clean air, climate resilience, and energy affordability.

Sponsors: Patrick Martin

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/19/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 1/20/26.

Directs utilities to plan for acquisition of storage systems to reduce overall energy consumed.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/11/2024; referred to Energy and Manufacturing

The purpose of this bill is to encourage development, transportation and use of electricity generated using West Virginia natural gas by directing the West Virginia Economic Development Authority to identify and designate sites suitable for natural gas electric generation facilities and by providing for expedited consideration and decision concerning applications for permits to construct and operate natural gas electric generation facilities.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/12/2024; referred to; referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Government Organization

The purpose of this bill is to expand the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission to include advanced nuclear reactors, and to direct that agency to adopt regulations for the construction, operation and retirement of such reactors.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/12/2024; referred to; referred to Energy and Manufacturing

HB 4684 proposes changes to West Virginia tax law related to renewable energy systems — specifically eliminating certain tax incentives and imposing restrictions on installations by corporations and other non-individual entities.

Sponsors: Chris Anders, Lisa White, Laura Kimble, Larry Kump

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/21/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 1/21/26.

This bill would limit the number of wind power projects approved in the state each year to two and allow a 5% reduction in coal severance tax for each such project approved.

Sponsors: Phil Mallow

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/15/2024; referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Finance

The bill would require electric utility companies to adopt programs to increase energy efficiency and reduce consumption, and achieve measurable reduction of consumption between 2025 and 2034 rising by 1% of 2020 consumption annually. Various plans and reports are required.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/16/2024; referred to Technology and Infrastructure, then Judiciary

The bill repeals law relating to additional registration fees for alternative fuel vehicles.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/16/2024; referred to Finance

The bill would allow consumers to participate in solar energy by subscribing to a share in a community solar generating facility and getting a corresponding credit against their electric bill.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/17/2024; referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Judiciary

HB 4838 would amend § 17A-10-3c of the West Virginia Code to raise additional annual registration fees for alternative fuel vehicles.

Sponsors: William Ridenour

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 1/27/26; referred to House Finance Committee on 1/27/26.

The bill would amend the current plugging statute by adding more precise plugging requirements, new marking requirements for the benefit of landowners, and requirements to notify the county clerk of well locations.

Sponsors: Clay Riley, Scot Heckert, Bob Fehrenbacher, Bill Anderson

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/122/2024; referred to Energy and Manufacturing

The purpose of this bill is to remove the cap on the number of gas and other type wells for which operators are required to pay annual oversight fees.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/23/2024; referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Finance

This bill creates exceptions for when a dry well must be plugged and prohibits any cause of action by any party as a result of the changes.

Sponsors: Scot Heckert, Bill Anderson, Bob Fehrenbacher

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/25/2024; referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Judiciary; passed out of Energy to Judiciary 2/2/24

This bill changes the tax status of wind power structures from pollution control devices to real property and thereby raises the taxes on such structures.

Sponsors: Phil Mallow, Geno Chiarelli, Larry Kump, John Hardy

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/25/2024; referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Finance

This bill changes the formula for crediting a consumer's electric bill for solar energy generated by the consumer's solar panels, thereby reducing the amount of the credit.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/25/2024; referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Judiciary

HB 5160 seeks to prohibit unauthorized atmospheric intervention or geoengineering activities within the state and establish a regulatory, enforcement, and oversight framework to protect the air and atmospheric conditions above West Virginia.

Sponsors: Lisa White, William Ridenour

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/4/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 2/4/26.

Forbidding the state from banning gas-powered vehicles in its fleet or mandating non-gas-powered vehicles.

Sponsors: Mickey Petitto, Michael Hornby

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/25/2024; referred to Government Organizations

Requiring EV charging stations installed in West Virginia to be universal, accommodating vehicles from all manufacturers.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/26/2024; referred to Technology and Infrastructure, then Finance

HB 5381 restructures state energy planning and programs with the goal of creating a comprehensive, long-term energy development and security strategy for West Virginia.

Sponsors: Roger Hanshaw, Sean Hornbuckle

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/9/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee 2/9/26. Passed the House on 3/2/26; referred to Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee on 3/4/26. Passed by the Senate on 3/14/26.

This bill seeks to prevent orphan gas and oil wells by requiring an operator to post a bond covering the full cost of plugging, or pay into a set-aside fund payments sufficient to plug the well at the end of its useful life.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen, Mickey Petitto

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/1/2024; referred to Energy

This bill seeks creates a tax incentive for power generation companies to locate solar power facilities on degraded mine and industrial land instead of farm land.

Sponsors: Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/1/2024; referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Finance

The purpose of this bill is to require the Public Service Commission to adopt a rule mandating electric utilities to provide full retail credit to customer-generators for electricity delivered to utility under net metering arrangement; and requiring commission to consider increasing allowed kilowatt capacity for commercial customer-generators.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/2/2024; referred to Energy and Manufacturing, then Judiciary

HB 5513 proposes adding a new article to the West Virginia Code to prohibit geoengineering activities within the state’s airspace. These activities include cloud seeding, weather modification, aerosol injections, and similar environmental manipulation techniques.

Sponsors: Chris Anders, Ian Masters, Laura Kimble

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/13/26; referred to House Government Organization Committee 2/13/26.

Raising the incremental increases in size of renewable energy facilities from 50 to 100 megawatts, and eliminating the 2025 sunset provision.

Sponsors: Bill Anderson, Bob Fehrenbacher, Scot Heckert, Wayne Clark, Evan Hansen

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/8/2024; referred to Energy and Manufacturing; passed House 2/19/24; passed Senate 3/7/24; vetoed by Governor

Creates a community solar pilot program allowing participation by low-income and other consumers in the benefits of solar power although individually unable to mount solar panels at their home or business. Requires bill credit to be given to subscribing consumers for their share of solar power generated. Encourages location of community solar facilities on otherwise unfavorable land or in areas where it can be co-located with agriculture.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/12/2024, referred to Energy & Manufacturing, then Judiciary

This bill eliminates the requirement to use a four-and-a-half casing for modern or newer wells and removes the mandate to remove intermediate or surface casings for older wells, as long as other regulations are followed.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: This bill was Introduced March 13, 2025 and referred to the Committee on Energy and Public Works. It passed the House on 3/24/25 and was referred to the Senate Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee on 3/25/25. This bill passed out of committee on 4/2/25 and ultimately passed into law on 4/11/25 after passage out of the full Senate.

This bill requires West Virginia oil and gas well operators to set aside money for future well plugging by mandating that newly drilled and transferred wells must either post a single well plugging bond or have the driller/operator begin depositing a small percentage of the well's revenue into the State Treasurer’s office for future plugging. For active wells, operators are required to pay 15¢ per MCF into the State Treasurer’s office for future plugging. Additionally, horizontal well operators must plug any "abandoned" conventional wells within the drainage area of their horizontal well and can recover the plugging costs from the operator of those conventional wells.

Sponsors: Randy Smith

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/12/25 and referred to Senate Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee

This bill would impose a additional $100 annual fee on gas wells that are otherwise subject to fees at the time of permit application, but that produce 10,000 cubic feet per day.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, referred to Energy, Industry & Mining; passed out to Finance 2/3/23

This bill allows the Director of the Division of Natural Resources to assess a Wildlife Impact Fee on any operator of a wind power project that injures or kills a protected species of animal.

Sponsors: Randy Smith

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/12/25 and referred to Senate Committee on Natural Resources; and then to Senate Committee on Finance. The bill passed the Natural Resources Committee on 3/13/25 and was referred to the Finance Committee.

This bill would impose a replacement cost upon operators of wind power projects where protected bird species are killed in turbines and other machinery.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources, then Finance

This bill creates a community solar program where subscribers can purchase an interest in a solar facility and use credits against their electric utility costs, helping West Virginia ratepayers save money. The bill also gives the Public Service Commission authority over the administration and rule making of a pilot program.

Sponsors: Mike Oliverio

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/12/25 and referred to Senate Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining; and then to Senate Committee on Finance

Creates a new Office of Outdoor Recreation to coordinate outdoor recreation policy and land use management planning among state and federal agencies and local government entities, and to advocate for conservation of lands for a outdoor recreation uses. Creates an advisory board consisting of interested groups and industries, including one member to represent conservation interests.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/10/21; referred to Economic Development Committee

Authorizing DNRF to assess a wildlife replacement fee on operators of wind power projects that kill protected avian species, such as eagles, owls, etc.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Natural Resources Committee

SB 118 requires landowners and forest carbon developers to register each carbon credit agreement and establishes civil penalties for noncompliance.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining; and then to the Committee on Finance.

This bill would improve the safety requirements for participants younger than 17, would enlarge the period of stream adoption to 3 years from the current 1 year, and require at least one clean-up per year.

Sponsors: Charles Trump

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/11/23, committee reference dispensed with, passed Senate unanimously 1/11/23, sent to House, referred to Government Organizations; passed House with amendment 1/27/23; Senate concurs in House amendment; sent to Governor 2/2/23; approved by Governor 2/27/23

This bill would promote the acquisition and use of abandoned or inactive rail rights of way for use as recreational trails. The bill would permit non-motorized vehicles on these trails and would permit the use of e-bikes.

Sponsors: Jason Barrett, Charles Trump

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/12/23, referred to Outdoor Recreation; committee substitute bill 1/26/23; passed Senate 1/31/23; introduced in House 2/1/23, referred to Economic Development & Tourism; passed out to House 2/27/23

Prohibiting Natural Resources Commission from making any rule creating a bag limit for antlered deer of three or more.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/12/22; referred to Natural Resources Committee

This bill authorizes the DNR, with the approval of the Secretary of Commerce, to sell public lands deemed obsolete or unneeded.

Sponsors: Charles Trump, Jason Barrett

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 1/11/23 directly in Senate; Constitutional rule requiring three readings suspended; passed Senate 1/12/23, referred to House Judiciary 1/13/23; amended and passed by House 1/19/23; Senate concurred in House amendment and passed 1/20/23; approved by Governor 1/24/23

This bill authorizes the leasing and development of state-owned "pore spaces" underlying state forests, natural and scenic areas and wildlife management areas for the purpose of carbon sequestration. State parks are excluded. Leasing would be to the highest auction bidder. The Director of DNR can award leases without competitive bidding under certain circumstances.

Sponsors: Charles Trump, Craig Blair

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/12/23, committee reference dispensed with, passed Senate unanimously 1/12/23, sent to House, referred to Judiciary, passed with amendment and made effective from passage 1/19/23; approved by Governor 1/24/23

This bill would prohibit county commissions from passing ordinances regulating agriculture that are broader or more strict than state standard, and would forbid county commissions from regulating the location and use of pesticides licensed under state or federal law.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/10/2024, passed Senate same day and referred to House; passed House 2/13/24; signed by Governor 2/26/24

This bill would direct a division of the Department of Transportation to acquire active or inactive rail corridors for the use of non-motorized trails for hiking, biking and equestrian use. Electric bicycles would be permitted.

Sponsors: Charles Trump

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/10/2024, referred to Outdoor Recreation, then Judiciary

This bill prohibits State agencies and employees from participating in the enforcement of federal acts, laws, or regulations regarding extractive resources (such as coal, oil, gas, and timber) unless those laws exist under state law.

Sponsors: Patrick Martin

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced on 2/12/25 and referred to Senate Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining; and then to Senate Committee on Judiciary. The bill passed the Energy Committee on 3/11/25 and was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Allowing the DNR to assess an impact fee on the operators of wind power projects when an animal from a protected species is killed through the operation of the project.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/11/2024, referred to Agriculture and Natural Resources, then to Finance

This bill aims to distinguish solar energy production from traditional agricultural practices for taxation and regulatory purposes.

Sponsors: Patricia Rucker

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced on 2/12/25 and referred to Senate Committee on Agriculture; and then to Senate Committee on Finance. The bill passed the Agriculture Committee on 3/13/25 and was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance.

Prohibiting Natural Resources Commission from making any rule creating a bag limit for antlered deer of three or more.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 2/17/21; referred to Natural Resources Committee

Authorizing DNRF to assess a wildlife replacement fee on operators of wind power projects that kill protected avian species, such as eagles, owls, etc.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 2/23/21; referred to Natural Resources Committee

Directing state agencies to include planning for public access to streams at new bridge construction sites.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/12/2024, referred to Agriculture and Natural Resources

Directing the Department of Transportation to prioritize the development of non-motorized recreational trails, including hiking, equestrian, running, trail and mountain biking.

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced 1/12/2024, referred to Agriculture and Natural Resources; passed Senate 1/24/24; introduced in House 1/29/24

Requiring DNR to inventory and map all roads in state and national parks and forests and determine the type of motorized and nonmotorized travel currently restricted on each.

CWV Position: No Position

Status: Introduced 2/25/21; referred to Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

This bill would make permanent the ATV pilot program for ATV trails in Cabwaylingo state forest. It would allow the development of connector trails from existing private trail systems, such as Hatfield-McCoy, to give all-terrain vehicle users access to state park and forest recreational facilities.

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/25/23, referred to Outdoor Recreation; committee substitute bill passed Senate 3/1/23; passed out of House Economic Development and Tourism committee 3/2/23; amended on House floor 3/4/23; passed House 3/6/23; Senate concurred 3/11/23; approved by Governor 3/11/23

Similar to HB 4408, this bill would enlarge the authority of the Director of DNR to enter third-party contracts for the development of recreation facilities at any state park or forest to a total of 50 years. The Director's present authority is for contracts totaling 20 years and is limited to six state parks. Unlike HB 4408, this bill has no limits on the purposes for which the Director may contract for new facilities. No specific type of facility is prohibited. .

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Original bill introduced 1/25/22, referred Natural Resources committee, then Finance; substitute bill originated by Natural Resources committee 2/23/22; sent to Finance committee 2/23/22

SB 487 would add a completely new chapter to the West Virginia Code (Chapter 33A) establishing a statewide framework for trails, access, and stewardship.

Sponsors: Mike Oliverio

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 1/19/26; referred to Natural Resources Committee on 1/19/26.