2024 Candidate Questionnaire on Climate & the Environment

Osmund Anderson

DELEGATE DISTRICT 99
(JEFFERSON)

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. Investing in flood resiliency is critical for protecting our communities, particularly low-income areas that are often the most vulnerable. Using nature-based solutions can provide long-term benefits, including improved ecosystems and reduced flood risks.

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! Community solar programs expand access to renewable energy, providing economic and environmental benefits to low-income households and those unable to install solar panels on their own homes. This can help reduce energy costs and promote sustainability.

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, Reinstating a renewable portfolio standard would encourage investment in renewable energy sources, create jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This is essential for transitioning to a more sustainable energy system.

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. Removing extra registration fees for electric vehicles would promote their adoption, leading to cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. It also aligns with efforts to modernize transportation infrastructure.

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. Ensuring that operators are financially responsible for properly closing wells helps prevent methane leaks, protecting the environment and public health. This also prevents taxpayers from bearing the costs of cleanup.

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. Prioritizing climate change planning and preparedness is essential for safeguarding the well-being of our communities. Proactive measures can mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a more resilient future.

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. Expanding renewable energy capacity can attract businesses, create jobs, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Balancing economic development with environmental sustainability is crucial for long-term prosperity.

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. Jeopardizing conservation easements and imposing high taxes on carbon offset agreements would discourage environmental conservation efforts. Supporting these agreements helps protect our natural resources and combat climate change.

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. Encouraging the use of degraded land for solar arrays helps preserve farmland while promoting renewable energy. This approach maximizes land use efficiency and supports sustainable development.

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. Investing in recreational and rail trails enhances public health, promotes tourism, and provides accessible outdoor activities for residents and visitors. This also helps preserve natural landscapes.

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. Wildlife crossing corridors reduce accidents, protect wildlife, and improve road safety. Implementing these measures is a cost-effective way to mitigate collisions and their associated risks..

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. Protecting public lands from unchecked development is crucial for preserving biodiversity, recreational spaces, and natural heritage. Transparent, competitive processes ensure responsible management of these valuable resources.

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. Addressing PFAS contamination is essential for protecting public health and the environment. Strengthening regulations and action plans ensures safer water supplies and holds polluters accountable.

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

Young voters should choose me because I am committed to addressing climate change through proactive legislation, investment in renewable energy, and environmental protection. My policies prioritize sustainability, public health, and economic opportunities that align with the values and concerns of younger generations.

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?

West Virginia should work collaboratively with the EPA to meet emission reduction targets while providing support and transition assistance to affected workers and communities. Investing in cleaner technologies and diversifying the energy economy can help balance environmental goals with economic stability..

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?

The best approach involves a just transition strategy that includes retraining programs, investment in renewable energy projects, and economic diversification initiatives. Ensuring that workers and communities have access to new job opportunities and support systems is crucial for a fair transition.

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?

A balanced approach includes sustainable development practices, investment in green industries, and policies that protect natural resources.