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2008 Legislative Agenda set at WVEC Fall Gathering
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by Jim Kotcon, WVEC President | 2007

Fall meeting helps WV E-Council set its 2008 Legislative priorities

Energy issues will play a big role in the 2008 session of the WV Legislature. The West Virginia Environmental Council will support legislation to improve the way the Public Service Commission handles siting of power plants and transmission lines. The proposal would shift the emphasis to better balance energy conservation and environmental impacts, and would improve public notification when such facilities are proposed.

Renewable energy legislation will emphasize energy efficiency for state agencies by promoting green buildings and more efficient vehicles. If adopted, state agencies would help develop new renewable energy and energy efficiency jobs in West Virginia by taking the lead in these areas.

Other legislation will include a Bottle Bill to promote recycling and reduce litter, and a requirement for a public health impact statement for major environmental rules. Water quality rules and the stream antidegradation list will again be major issues. For more information on these issues, contact Jim Kotcon, 594-3322.