West Virginia 2024 Regular Session

West Virginia Senate Bill SB12

Introduced
1/10/24  

Caption

DEP rule relating to emission standards for hazardous air pollutants

Impact

If enacted, SB12 could significantly influence state regulations concerning air pollutants, allowing for stricter controls over emissions from various industrial sources. The bill reflects an effort to mitigate health risks associated with hazardous air pollutants by providing the Department of Environmental Protection with the authority to enforce legislative rules. This change could potentially lead to improved public health outcomes and environmental conditions across West Virginia, reinforcing the state's commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment for its citizens.

Summary

Senate Bill 12 aims to authorize the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to implement rules concerning the emission standards for hazardous air pollutants. The primary objective of this bill is to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding air quality management, specifically targeting pollutants that pose health risks to residents and environmental hazards. By enabling the department to promulgate these rules, the bill seeks to ensure that emission standards align with modern environmental needs and scientific findings, thus improving air quality in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB12 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among environmental advocates and health groups who see the bill as a proactive step in environmental protection. However, there might be concerns from industry stakeholders regarding the potential increase in operational costs associated with compliance to stricter air quality standards. The discussion highlights a balance between the need for enhanced environmental protections and economic considerations tied to industries affected by such regulations.

Contention

A potential point of contention includes the balance of regulation versus business flexibility, where some argue that strict adherence to new emission standards could challenge industrial operations and economic growth. As the bill progresses, discussions may center on how to effectively implement these regulations without imposing excessive burdens on businesses, particularly those in manufacturing sectors that produce hazardous emissions. The outcome of these discussions will be critical to the overall acceptance and success of SB12.

Companion Bills

WV HB4037

Similar To Authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate a legislative rule relating to emission standards for hazardous air pollutants

Previously Filed As

WV SB315

DEP rule relating to emission standards for hazardous air pollutants

WV SB261

DEP rule relating to emission standards for hazardous air pollutants

WV HB2231

Relating to authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate a legislative rule relating to emission standards for hazardous air pollutants

WV HB4210

Relating to authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate a legislative rule relating to emission standards for hazardous air pollutants

WV HB2236

Relating to authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate a legislative rule relating to emission standards for hazardous air pollutants

WV HB435

Further providing for standards relating to hazardous air pollutants.

WV SJR24

This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency rule titled National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing (89 Fed. Reg. 94886) and published on November 29, 2024. The rule addresses the decision in Louisiana Environmental Action Network v. EPA (D.C. Cir. 2020) by implementing emissions standards for the rubber processing subcategory of the rubber tire manufacturing industry to ensure all emissions of hazardous air pollutants from sources in the source category are regulated.

WV HJR61

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing".

WV SB262

DEP rule relating to cross-state air pollution to control annual nitrogen oxides emissions, annual sulfur dioxide emissions, and ozone season nitrogen oxides emissions

WV SB1075

An act to amend Section 44391.2 of, and to add Sections 44391.8 and 44391.9 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to air resources.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.