This bill proposes significant amendments to the Code of West Virginia by repealing existing provisions related to air pollution control and replacing them with the newly established Fueling Modern Life Act. The bill specifically abolishes sections 22-5-2 through 22-5-20, which encompass various regulations and policies aimed at managing air quality and pollution. In its place, the bill introduces a new framework that 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 legislation outlines several findings regarding the role of carbon dioxide in supporting plant life and agricultural productivity, as well as its historical levels in the atmosphere. It establishes a state policy that recognizes carbon dioxide as essential for human advancement and explicitly states that West Virginia will not pursue measures to reduce or eliminate carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, the bill encourages the use of carbon-based fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, to support modern life and economic activity.

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