Clean air is both a health issue and a political issue. Clean air is important for all of us, even those of us in perfect health. The elderly, children and those with chronic respiratory issues are especially at risk.
In West Virginia we are dependent on electric power generated by burning coal. Burning coal releases particulate matter and harmful gasses such as carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide.
Conservation West Virginia advocates for a responsible shift from burning fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, and encouraging solar and wind industries to develop in our state.
Our Clean Air Platform
We support legislation that would require notice to be given to the public in multiple ways before any air quality permit is issued, including posting on the applicant’s website and the DEP’s website.
2024 Clean Air Bills
HB 4247
Prohibiting Devices That Increase Diesel Soot
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 5018
Community Air Monitoring
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 5186
Protecting Gas-Powered Vehicles.
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
HB 5212
Universal EV Charging Stations
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
