Updates from WV Rivers Coalition

January 2025

Hello friends! Earlier this month, our Executive Director, Jennie Smith shared an update along with our 2024 Program Summary — a snapshot of the progress we’ve made over the past year. This report covers the achievements made possible by supporters like you, who share our vision of a West Virginia where every mountain stream runs clean.

From advocating for stronger water quality standards and holding polluters accountable to protecting public lands and amplifying community voices, we’ve accomplished so much together. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to take a moment to explore the report and celebrate the impact of your support.

The $5 Million Question: Why Is WV’s Water Infrastructure Funding Leaving the State?

James Christian holds up a jug of another Wyoming County community member’s discolored well water. The water has already been filtered multiple times. Photo by Erin Beck / Mountain State Spotlight.

Last week, Mike Tony of The Charleston Gazette-Mail reported that the West Virginia Water Development Authority (WDA) awarded $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to an out-of-state Catholic school in Steubenville, Ohio.

Through documents obtained via FOIA, Tony revealed that of the $432.4 million in WDA funding, $80 million (17%) was allocated to “economic development” programs. Meanwhile, WDA only awarded four of the 161 funded water and sewer infrastructure projects in McDowell, Wyoming, Mingo, Logan, and Boone Counties — areas with some of the greatest need for these infrastructure improvements.

Additionally, former Governor and now U.S. Senator Jim Justice announced $25.9 million in WDA-approved funding for 17 water, sewer, and economic development projects, with $9.1 million directed toward economic development, with approximately $1.4 million going to projects in southern WV.

Communities in southern West Virginia, often feeling overlooked, are speaking up. Last week, West Virginia Rivers Coalition joined grassroots leaders from Wyoming, Mingo, and McDowell Counties to discuss strategies for ensuring equitable water and sewer infrastructure funding for southern West Virginia.

Here’s how you can help support these communities:

Action Alert: Help Protect the Eastern Hellbender

An Eastern Hellbender hides amongst a rocky bottom.

The Eastern Hellbender, North America’s largest salamander, is in danger. Over 80% of its historic range has been lost, and threats like sedimentation, climate change, and disease are pushing it closer to extinction. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the Hellbender as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act — an important step toward ensuring its survival.

Right now, 688 people have sent comments to USFWS, and we need your help to reach 1,000 before the February 11, 2025 deadline. You can help by submitting a comment in support of this listing and advocating for the conservation of clean water and healthy ecosystems.

Act now to protect this living fossil and the streams it calls home!

EPA Grants WV Primacy Over Carbon Injection Wells Despite Public Pushback

Photo Credit: Ward 6 Fire Protection District via New Orleans Public Radio News

The State of West Virginia received primacy over the permitting of Class VI wells for carbon dioxide underground injection despite pushback from our coalition and other environmental groups. During the last public comment period, which coincided with the holiday season and included an in-person meeting just before New Year’s Eve, we, alongside hundreds of others, urged the EPA to extend the comment deadline.

EPA denied the request for an extension despite granting it in other states, which received significantly longer comment periods.

While WVDEP plans to hire staff to oversee the program, resources within the agency are already stretched thin. We remain concerned that WVDEP does not have adequate policies in place to address the environmental justice issues that the program will create.

Save the Date for Key Upcoming Events for the 2025 Legislative Session!

The background image in this graphic is a photo titled, “Capitol Snow” by Anne Meadows.

Join us for a 2025 Legislative Preview webinar with Dr. Sam Workman from WVU’s John D. Rockefeller IV School of Policy and Politics on Monday, January 27th at 6:30 PM. Dr. Workman will give an in-depth look at what to expect in the 2025 session.

Register to attend this special Zoom event before the start of the session. Then, mark your calendars for these important advocacy days:

Stay tuned for more details and be ready to engage as we work together for a healthier future where everyone has access to clean water!

Organizational Updates

Meet WV Rivers’ New Eastern Panhandle Community Ambassadors: Klio Stroubakis, Rebecca Kamp, and Kit McGinnis.

At WV Rivers, our team is central to advancing our mission. Together, we work to protect West Virginia’s waters, public lands, and communities to ensure a future where every West Virginian has access to clean water. Today, we have several updates to share about transitions and new roles within our organization.

We have welcomed three Community Ambassadors who are based in the Eastern Panhandle. Join us in welcoming Klio Stroubakis, Rebecca Kamp, and Kit McGinnis! These are short-term, contracted roles funded through the Environmental Justice Government-to-Government Grant. The ambassadors’ focus will be on bringing the communities’ input into the development of localized PFAS Action Plans to address contamination in affected water systems. These ambassadors bring valuable local perspectives and will play a critical role in empowering communities to take action on clean water issues.

Applications are still open for Community Ambassadors in the Northern Panhandle. If you know of someone who may be a great fit for this role, please encourage them to apply.

Mike Jones Promoted to Conservation Coordinator!

We are proud to announce that Mike Jones has been promoted to Conservation Manager. Mike has been an integral part of WV Rivers, contributing significantly to our efforts to protect the headwaters of the Monongahela National Forest and advancing conservation initiatives across the state. In his new role, Mike will expand his focus to include advocating for conservation on private lands, emphasizing the critical connection between public and private stewardship.

Reflecting on his promotion, Mike shared: “I am honored to step into this new role, expanding my work to protect our public lands while also championing the right of private landowners to conserve their farms and forests. By safeguarding these spaces, we not only protect the water and wildlife they sustain but also ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and resources of West Virginia’s landscapes.”

Join us in congratulating Mike!

Farewell, Heather!

After years of dedicated service, Heather Sprouse, our Community Engagement Manager, will be transitioning out of her role. Heather has been instrumental in shaping our community engagement approach, grounding it in justice and collaboration.

With her guidance, we’ve supported and uplifted West Virginia voices in the Ohio River Listening Sessions, which informed the creation of the Ohio River Caucus. Heather has built meaningful new partnerships and strengthened our existing network at the regional and federal levels, all while working to reduce barriers to public participation and access to resources.

At WV Rivers, we believe that the best solutions come from those who are most affected. By developing an inclusive and effective engagement model, we aim to ensure that every community member has a voice in the decision-making process.

Heather’s leadership has made a lasting impact, and we are deeply appreciative of all she has done for WV Rivers.

As we look to the future, we are hiring a new Community Engagement Manager to continue this important work. This role will focus on empowering communities, amplifying their voices, and supporting local action to ensure clean water and environmental justice.

We are grateful for the dedication of our team and the ongoing support of our partners and community members as we work together to protect West Virginia’s rivers and streams.