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 classified as a pollutant. The bill outlines several legislative findings that highlight the benefits of carbon dioxide, including its role in agricultural productivity, plant resilience, and overall ecological health.
Additionally, the bill establishes state policy that explicitly states carbon dioxide shall not be treated as a pollutant, prohibits the pursuit of measures aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and encourages the use of carbon-based fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. The provisions of the previous air pollution control laws, including various definitions, powers, and duties related to pollution management, are entirely repealed, signaling a significant shift in the state's approach to environmental regulation.
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