Workforce committee endorses study of southern West Virginia water crisis

The Senate workforce committee agreed to an originating senate concurrent resolution requesting the joint committee on government finance to study the ongoing water crisis affecting southern West Virginia counties, with particular attention to McDowell and Wyoming counties. Counsel summarized the resolution and the committee adopted it by voice vote and moved it to the full Senate with a recommendation that it be adopted.

The resolution, as presented by counsel, directs the joint committee to examine the underlying causes of poor drinking water quality, investigate unexpected or unforeseen sources of contamination that could affect drinking water and waterways, and review the condition of treatment facilities, distribution systems and related infrastructure in the region. It also asks for recommendations to prioritize necessary upgrades, an evaluation of whether the Department of Environmental Protection and other state agencies are exercising their powers under state law to address the crisis, and identification of any statutory or administrative changes that may be necessary.

Counsel (S3) concluded the explanation of the resolution and the chair (S1) put the question to the committee. Hearing no amendments, the committee agreed to the resolution by voice vote and the vice chair (S2) moved that it be reported to the full Senate with a recommendation that it be adopted. The chair declared the motion adopted and noted that members present would be added as sponsors unless they ask staff otherwise.

The committee did not specify a schedule for the joint committee's study in the session record; the resolution directs the joint committee on government finance to conduct the review and to consider agency roles and potential statutory changes. The committee's action sends the resolution to the full Senate for further consideration.