The bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by clarifying the state's position on international agreements related to greenhouse gas emissions, specifically the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Accord. It includes a new legislative finding stating that past federal participation in such treaties was not in the best interest of West Virginia, emphasizing the state's commitment to fully utilizing its natural resources. The bill also prohibits the West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection from proposing or implementing any new rules aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in compliance with these international agreements unless explicitly approved by the state legislature.

Additionally, the bill restricts the Division of Environmental Protection from submitting any legally enforceable commitments related to greenhouse gas reductions to federal agencies without legislative approval. The language that would be deleted from current law includes various findings regarding the implications of the Kyoto Protocol, such as its economic impact and the lack of commitments from developing nations. The bill ultimately seeks to prevent state-level regulations that align with international climate agreements, reinforcing West Virginia's autonomy in managing its environmental policies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-23-1, 22-23-2