The proposed bill aims to establish the Sound Science in Regulations Act within the Code of West Virginia, specifically by adding a new section, 29A-3-21. This legislation mandates that state agencies cannot propose or finalize any regulatory actions related to drinking water, air quality, hazardous substances, or waste management unless such actions are grounded in the best available science. The bill defines "best available science" as reliable and unbiased scientific information that maximizes quality and integrity, and it outlines specific criteria for studies to be considered valid, including independent verification and publication in refereed journals.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that its provisions will only apply to regulatory actions adopted after the effective date of the statute that are either more stringent than federal regulations or enacted in the absence of federal regulations. It also specifies that the act will not affect any existing regulatory actions prior to the statute's effective date, actions taken to comply with federal agency requirements, or actions that are substantively equivalent to federal regulations. Overall, the bill seeks to ensure that state regulatory actions are scientifically sound and based on the best available evidence.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 29A-3-21