Updates in 2026:

• HJR16 [LS] Natural Resources and the Public Estate Amendment; Proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment, which explicitly includes the right to healthy soils: “All people have a right to a clean and healthy environment, including pure water, clean air, healthy soils, a safe climate, and the preservation of the natural, recreational, and healthful qualities of the environment. The state shall serve as trustee of the natural resources of West Virginia, among them its water, air, flora, and fauna. The state shall conserve, protect, and maintain these resources for the benefit of all the people, including generations yet to come. The state shall protect these rights and natural resources equitably for all people, including children and future generations. These rights and duties are self-executing and subject to strict scrutiny review.”

Updates in 2025:

None

Updates in 2024:

None

Updates in 2023:

None

Updates in 2022:

• HB4302 [LS] Conservation Districts Law of West Virginia – stalled in committee
• SB264 [LS] Relating to conservation districts law of WV; updates the conservation districts law, including ecosystem health and soil health. Clarifies that the State Conservation Committee and Conservation Districts of West Virginia are empowered to create and administer soil health programs. In the “legislative determinations and declaration of policy”:
  It is hereby declared, as a matter of legislative determination:
  . . .
  (c) Adopting sound conservation policies and practices is an investment in West Virginia’s Natural Resources and is a foundation for profitable, productive, and healthy ecosystems that are resilient and better able to withstand current and future environmental challenges.
  (d) In recognition of the ever-increasing demands on West Virginia’s soil and water resources, it is declared the policy of the state that the State Conservation Committee and the State’s Conservation Districts, in cooperation with other state and federal agencies, political subdivisions, nongovernmental organizations, private landowners, and others, work to recommend and implement programs and policies that improve soil health and water quality. – passed 3/12/2022, signed by Gov. Justice 3/28/2022

Updates in 2021:

None