The proposed bill seeks to amend and reenact Section 22-5-1 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, while repealing multiple sections related to air pollution control. The new legislation, titled the "Fueling Modern Life Act," emphasizes the importance of carbon dioxide as a foundational nutrient for life on Earth. It outlines legislative findings that highlight the benefits of carbon dioxide, including its role in agricultural productivity, plant resilience, and overall ecological health. The bill asserts that carbon dioxide should not be treated as a pollutant and prohibits the state from pursuing measures that aim to reduce or eliminate carbon dioxide emissions, including "net-zero" targets.

In addition to establishing the new title and policy framework, the bill repeals existing provisions related to air pollution control, effectively replacing the previous regulatory structure with a focus on supporting carbon-based fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. The intent is to promote the utilization of these resources to support modern life and economic activity in West Virginia. The bill's language reflects a significant shift in state policy regarding carbon dioxide, positioning it as a vital component for life and economic growth rather than a pollutant to be regulated.

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