The proposed bill aims to enhance litter control and environmental cleanup efforts in West Virginia by establishing the "West Virginia Litter Control and Environmental Cleanup Act." It outlines the responsibilities of various state agencies, including the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation, as well as local authorities, in coordinating litter control initiatives. The bill mandates that counties employing Litter Control Officers are eligible for funding assistance to bolster enforcement and cleanup activities. Additionally, it authorizes the state to issue a Request for Proposal for a nonprofit independent contractor to manage statewide cleanup operations, which includes cleaning illegal dumps, removing litter from roadways, and conducting waterway cleanups.
The bill also stipulates that the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation will allocate existing litter control funds to support these initiatives, with potential additional funding from grants, fines, and private partnerships. An annual audit of the program's effectiveness is required, with reports submitted to the Legislature starting July 1, 2026. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to create a more coordinated and efficient approach to litter control across the state.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 22-37-1, 22-37-2, 22-37-3, 22-37-4, 22-37-5, 22-37-6, 22-37-7