Question #1. Flooding is one of the most serious effects of climate change on the daily lives of West Virginians. During the 2023 session, the Legislature enacted SB 677 which created a Flood Resiliency Trust Fund and authorized a one-time grant of $40 million in state general funds for the purpose of enhancing flood prevention and protection, using primarily nature-based solutions and concentrating in low-income areas. As of the date of this questionnaire, the Legislature has not committed this funding. Will you support committing the $40 million in funding to the Flood Resiliency Trust Fund?

Yes. Because we have a big problem with flooding. Because many do not have flood insurance and because of mining many are at risk of losing everything.

Question # 2. During the 2024 session, legislation was introduced to establish a community solar pilot program (SB 638). This legislation would have made it possible for low-income consumers, and people whose homes do not permit rooftop solar panels, to share in the reduced cost of electricity generated from a central, community solar facility. If similar legislation is proposed in 2025, will you support it?

Yes! Coal is on its way out. Natural gas is an intermediate to move to more sustainable alternatives.

Question #3. In 2009, West Virginia followed the lead of over thirty other states in adopting a renewable portfolio standard, which would have required electric utilities to procure a modest percentage of their electricity from renewable sources, including wind and solar. But in 2015, West Virginia became the first state to repeal its renewable portfolio standard altogether. If effective renewable portfolio standard legislation is proposed in 2025, will you support it?

Yes. Again, this is the future. Coal is out. Southern WV and reteric regarding coal is a lost cause

Question #4. Electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions and are inexpensive to operate. Yet West Virginia legislation and policy inhibits the adoption of these vehicles. During the 2024 session, legislation was introduced to eliminate the discriminatory extra registration fees for alternative fuel vehicles (HB 4771). If similar legislation is proposed in 2025, will you support it?

Yes. Progress is important. Staying stuck in 1960 policies is helping no one.

Question #5. Methane is one of the most powerful greenhouse gasses known to man. This gas is often leaked from improperly maintained, orphaned or abandoned gas wells. During the 2024 session, legislation was proposed (HB 5414) that would prevent future orphan gas and oil wells by requiring an operator to post a bond sufficient to cover the full cost of plugging, or to pay production-based amounts into an escrow fund sufficient to plug the well at the end of its useful life. If similar legislation is introduced in 2025, will you support it?

Yes. We have so many unplugged wells. This would help resolve the problem by taking care of the problem on the front end.

Question #6. Will you support legislation that will require the State of West Virginia to prioritize planning and preparedness to counter the long-term threat posed by climate change to the health, safety and prosperity of our citizens?

Yes. Our medical care in many areas of WV is abysmal. Thus climate change hits especially hard those people in very rural areas. We are only as strong as our weakest link.

Question #7. During the 2024 session, the legislature passed and sent to the Governor a bill that would have increased West Virginia’s small Renewable Energy Facilities Program from 50 to 100 megawatts (HB 5528). The Program was created to assure out-of-state companies that are committed to using renewable sources for some of their power consumption that they can safely locate in West Virginia. Governor Justice vetoed the bill claiming that it was a threat to coal. If similar legislation is proposed in 2025, will you support it?

Yes. Coal is over. Let it go.

Question #8. Carbon offset agreements are private contracts made between landowners and businesses in need of carbon credits to withdraw privately owned land from development. During the 2024 session, legislation was proposed (SB 822) removing land subject to carbon offset agreements from favorable tax treatment as managed timberlands, requiring the purchaser to pay an excise tax to the state of as much as 50% of the value of the agreement, and declaring it West Virginia public policy to void the restrictions on future timbering in private covenants. This legislation would jeopardize existing conservation easements. If similar legislation is proposed in 2025, will you oppose it?

Yes. Because it is the best thing to do for our environment and homes. Take care of our resources. Trees are an intricate part of our climate control.

Question #9. Large solar generating arrays are often located on farmland. During the 2024 session, legislation was introduced to create a tax incentive for the location of these solar arrays on degraded land previously used in manufacturing or mining (HB 5416). If similar legislation is proposed in 2025, will you support it?

Yes. Progress and protecting our environment is most important.

Question #10. During the 2024 session, legislation was proposed authorizing the acquisiton and development by the state of land for recreational and rail trails suitable for non-motorized use, such as hiking, bicycling and horseback riding (SB 196, SB 426). If similar legislation is proposed in 2025, will you support it?

Yes. Our best kept secret is the outdoor recreation we have. We need to have a far reaching campaign to promote this truth.

Question #11. West Virginia leads the nation in deer/vehicle collisions, killing over 10,000 deer and creating property damage and risk to human life. Highway fencing and the construction of wildlife under and overpasses dramatically reduce this needless damage and risk. If legislation is proposed for wildlife crossing corridors on state highways in 2025, will you support it?

Yes. I have had more than one or two experiences with wildlife. Thus I know firsthand the importance.

Question #12. During the 2024 session, legislation was proposed that would open all West Virginia public lands to widespread timbering and economic development for special interest projects (SB 688). Under this type of legislation, state parks and wildlife management areas could lose protections against development through secret, non-competitive bidding. If similar legislation is proposed in 2025, will you oppose it?

Yes. Anything secret is not OK. That in and of itself is an easy answer.

Question #13. During the 2023 session, The PFAS Protection Act was passed that required the state to develop action plans to address PFAS pollution in public water supplies and required companies using PFAS to report their usage to the WVDEP. If the PFAS Protection Act was amended in future years to address additional contamination concerns, would you support it?

Yes. When it comes to water issues I would consult with Evan Hansen. He knows all things water. 

Question #14. Why should young West Virginia voters concerned about the effects of climate change on their daily lives choose you over your opponent?

Because I believe in science. I know climate change is not a hoax. And a core WV value is our tie to the land. It is part of our culture.

Question #15. What do you believe is the proper response that should be made by the state of West Virginia to the recent proposed EPA regulations on power plant emissions?

I am not familiar with this. Thus I would have to do research and, as I have said, Evan Hansen is so very knowledgeable and would be the first resource I would connect with.

Question #16. If the greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels by electric power plants must be reduced, what is the best way to do this while still supporting fossil-fuel workers and communities?

Coal should be supported as a phase out resource. Natural gas is an intermediate transition fuel. We should support new means of power and we must dig into our communities and teach people new skills. Quit promising what is not true. Reality and skills will give people hope.

Question #17. What is the best way to balance protection of our natural heritage for future generations against the need for development and new jobs now?

I believe a large missed opportunity is to bring in and promote recreation and natural resources: ski, whitewater rafting, hiking, camping, climbing rocks. Thus preserving our natural resources as they would become precious commodity.