Updates from WV Rivers Coalition
February 2025
We’re expecting a snowy start to the 2025 Legislative Session. Check out this update from Maria (pictured above) as we head into Day One.
Hello friends! Today marks the start of the 2025 West Virginia legislative session, and we’re ready to make clean water a top priority. Our team has arrived in Charleston, prepared to welcome legislators back to the Capitol and ensure they hear from you — West Virginians who care about our streams, rivers, public lands, and the communities who depend on them.
Throughout the session, WV Rivers will be working hard to protect our natural resources, advocate for stronger safeguards, and push for policies that put public health first. Your voice is essential in this work.
Stay tuned for updates on key legislation, opportunities to take action, and ways to make sure your representatives know that clean water matters.
For clean water & healthy communities,
Maria Russo
Policy Specialist
WV Rivers Coalition
Our 2025 Policy Priorities
This is what we’re working to protect and conserve. Photo of Kates Branch, courtesy of Randall Sanger.
At WV Rivers, we’re focused on policies that protect drinking water, water security, public health, and the public lands we all enjoy. This session, we’re advocating for:
- Strengthening Water Quality Standards: Reducing pollution to protect our rivers and public health.
- Preserving the Aboveground Storage Tank Act: Keeping safeguards in place to prevent disasters like the 2014 chemical spill.
- Supporting Community Science & Data Transparency: Expanding public access to air and water quality monitoring.
- Protecting Public Lands & Expanding River Access: Preserving nature-based recreation and securing funding for conservation.
Learn more and take action at wvrivers.org/policy
Protect Public Participation in the House of Delegates
Join WV Rivers in telling our state legislators that we want them to strengthen public participation to ensure our waters, lands, and communities have a say!
The House of Delegates is considering extensive rule changes that could impact how the public engages in the legislative process. While some proposed revisions, like requiring three days of consideration for each bill, improve transparency, others would end the public’s ability to request a hearing and limit opportunities to speak on legislation.
We believe public input is essential and are calling for three key changes before these rules are adopted:
- Preserve Public Hearings: Keep the current rule allowing anyone to request a public hearing with 48-hour notice.
- Ensure Advance Notice: Require committees and subcommittees to provide agendas at least 48 hours before a bill is considered.
- Guarantee Public Comment: Set aside time during bill discussions for citizens to speak directly to lawmakers.
Where to Get Your News: Stay Informed, Stay Engaged
A banner hangs from a shed in Monroe County close to the Mountain Valley Pipeline reading, “Water is Life! We won’t back down.”
West Virginians are fortunate to have strong, independent news outlets keeping us informed about the legislature, our communities, and beyond. Stay up to date with reliable reporting from:
- 📰 The Charleston Gazette-Mail: A long-standing source for political and statewide news.
- 📰 Mountain State Spotlight: In-depth investigative journalism on critical issues facing West Virginia.
- 📰 West Virginia Watch: A nonprofit newsroom dedicated to covering government accountability and public policy.
- 📰 Black By God: A Black-led news organization uplifting Black voices, issues, and perspectives in West Virginia.
📢 Want updates on environmental and public interest issues at the Capitol? Sign up for more updates from our partners:
- 🌿 WV Environmental Council: Advocating for clean water, air, and land during the session.
- 📣 WV Citizen Action Group: Working to increase the voice of the average citizen in public affairs.
Want to help keep your community informed? Become a Folk Reporter with Black By God!
The Folk Reporters program puts the power of the pen back into the people’s hands — democratizing news, holding elected officials accountable, and amplifying Black voices. Volunteers will attend legislative committee meetings, share key takeaways on social media, and contribute to grassroots reporting.
📩 Interested? Reach out to [email protected] to learn more. Let’s support and grow homegrown journalism in West Virginia!
McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming County Communities to Host Press Conference at the Capitol this Month
Communities in the Southern Coalfields have been without safe water to drink, cook, and bathe with. On February 19, advocates will visit the Capitol to tell decision-makers that it is time for change.
For too long, communities in the southern coalfields have struggled with water insecurity — dealing with unreliable service, poor water quality, and crumbling infrastructure. Residents from McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming counties are coming to the West Virginia State Capitol on February 19 to share their stories and meet with elected officials in hopes of finding real solutions to this ongoing crisis.
Location: West Virginia State Capitol
Time: Arrive at 9:30 AM, meet at the Lower Rotunda by 9:30 AM
Schedule of Events:
- 10:00 AM – Meetings with State Representatives
- 11:00 AM – Legislative Sessions Begin
- 12:00 PM – Lunch Break for Participants
- 01:00 PM – Press Conference in the Little Rotunda (Near the AG’s office!)
Participants are encouraged to bring a sample of their impacted tap water to illustrate the urgent need for action. Gas costs will be reimbursed for those who need it. Contact Mariah at [email protected] to learn more.
This is a crucial opportunity to advocate for safe, reliable drinking water for all West Virginians. Your presence and support can make a difference. Help us spread the word by sharing this post on Facebook.
Upcoming Community Days at the Capitol
Meet WV Rivers’ New Eastern Panhandle Community Ambassadors: Klio Stroubakis, Rebecca Kamp, and Kit McGinnis.
Agriculture & Conservation Day: Thursday, February 20th: Agriculture & Conservation Day connects attendees with experts from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to explore the state’s rich farming and conservation efforts. Visitors can learn about West Virginia’s top agricultural industries—livestock, timber, and crops—and how conservation practices sustain the land for future generations.
Black Policy Day: Monday, March 10th: Black Policy Day is more than just a day at the Capitol — it’s a movement. This annual event brings together advocates, policymakers, and community members to address policy issues impacting Black communities in West Virginia. Attendees can expect discussions, networking, and opportunities to engage in meaningful action toward equity and justice.
Flood Resiliency Day: Tuesday, March 11th: Flood Resiliency Day highlights the importance of reducing flood risks and protecting communities. Participants will learn about strategies to safeguard infrastructure, create space for rivers to adjust, and advocate for policies that strengthen West Virginia’s flood resilience.
Environmental Day: Monday, March 17th: “E-Day” is a chance for environmental advocates to meet with legislators, showcase their work, and push for policies that protect West Virginia’s natural resources. The event includes displays from WVEC members, opportunities for direct engagement with lawmakers, and a rally featuring key voices in the fight for environmental protection.
WV Rivers’ lobbying efforts are 100% funded by people like you — individual donors who believe in clean water, fresh air, and healthy communities. Unlike grants, your support is unrestricted, meaning no outside funders dictate our platform. Every dollar powers our science- and community-based approach at the Capitol. Give $25, $50, or any amount that feels right to you to help hold polluters accountable and ensure your voice is heard.
