WV lawmakers did little to nothing for environmental protections during legislative session

The author expresses disappointment with the West Virginia Legislature's 2024 session, stating it failed to adopt a blueprint for environmental policy proposed by advocacy groups. This blueprint aimed to address issues such as high energy bills, unsafe water, lack of flood protections, and the impact of data center development, which citizens feel is prioritized over community well-being. The article specifically criticizes the lawmakers for not addressing the consequences of a data center bill "rammed through in 2025," which has led to a lack of local control over such developments. It warns of "gigantic natural gas plants and diesel generators...coming for your children’s air and the data centers are coming for your grandchildren’s water." Despite some lawmakers, like Senate President Randy Smith, expressing remorse, no changes were made to the law. Furthermore, the Legislature is condemned for debating and amending bills that would force utilities like Appalachian Power and First Energy to continue burning coal, even when uneconomical, against the advice of Public Service Commission Chair Charlotte Lane. While that specific bill failed, lawmakers reportedly removed references to energy efficiency and renewable energy from a plan to codify the governor’s 50 gigawatt by 2050 plan. The piece also touches on ongoing efforts by the oil and gas industry to reduce regulations on aboveground storage tanks, reminiscent of a 2014 chemical spill crisis. The author concludes by urging West Virginians to demand more from their lawmakers for a future with cleaner air, stable water, and lower energy bills.