Urgent: Action Needed to Oppose Oil & Gas Storage Tank Deregulation Bill – Hearing on 2/26, 8AM
A dangerous bill that exempts oil and gas tanks from the Aboveground Storage Tank Act is making its way through the House of Delegates. A coalition of advocates, including WV Rivers, requested a public hearing to provide citizens the opportunity to make comments on the bill for the official record. House leadership has rejected our request.
It is essential that the public’s voice is heard! On Friday, February 26, at 8:00AM, a People’s Public Hearing, hosted by advocate organizations, will be held via Zoom. This hearing is non-partisan and open to the public. All legislators will be invited. You do not have to speak to attend the hearing. Register to speak by 8:00PM Thursday, 2/25.
During the People’s Public Hearing on HB 2598 participants will have 1-2 minutes to provide comments – this time is subject to change depending on speaker registration. Speaker order is first come, first served.
The People’s Public Hearing will be recorded and provided to the House as an official record of citizen comments. If you are unable to speak during the People’s Public Hearing, please provide written comments here.
Delegates need to hear from West Virginians that HB 2598 is bad for our state. This bill would exempt about 887 oil & gas storage tanks from the Aboveground Storage Tank Act. These tanks are in zones of critical concern – ZCCs – they are the tanks closest to our public drinking water intakes!
Contact your Delegates TODAY! Let them know that West Virginia deserves better – no exemptions for tanks near public drinking water intakes!
