This bill proposes to repeal existing provisions related to air pollution control in West Virginia and replace them with the "Fueling Modern Life Act." The new legislation emphasizes the importance of carbon dioxide as a vital nutrient for life on Earth, asserting that it should not be treated as a pollutant. The bill outlines several legislative findings that highlight the benefits of carbon dioxide, including its role in agricultural productivity and plant resilience, and states that current atmospheric levels are historically low.

Additionally, the bill establishes a state policy that recognizes carbon dioxide as essential for human advancement and prohibits the state from pursuing any measures aimed at reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide emissions, including "net-zero" targets. It encourages the use of carbon-based fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas to support modern life. The bill effectively abolishes numerous sections of the current law, including definitions, powers of the director, and various permit requirements related to air pollution, thereby streamlining the regulatory framework surrounding carbon dioxide and its role in the state's economy and environment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-5-1, 22-5-2, 22-5-3, 22-5-4, 22-5-5, 22-5-6, 22-5-7, 22-5-8, 22-5-9, 22-5-10, 22-5-11, 22-5-11a, 22-5-11b, 22-5-11c, 22-5-12, 22-5-13, 22-5-14, 22-5-15, 22-5-16, 22-5-17, 22-5-18, 22-5-19, 22-5-20