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.
2025 Clean Air Bills – Coming Soon
SB 21
Assessing wildlife impact fee on wind power projects
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.
HB 3112
Community Air Monitoring
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.
SB 575
Defining community air monitoring
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.
HB 2413
Removing cap on numbers of wells operators required to pay annual oversight fee
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.
HB 3008
Repealing section of code authorizing additional registration fees for alternative fuel vehicles
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.
