The full year's schedule of the Legislature's Monthly Interim Committee Meetings has been set. All the meetings will occur in Charleston with the exception of September, which will be held in Bridgeport. The dates are: May 18-20; June 22-24; July 27-29; August 24-26; September 7-9 (Bridgeport); October 12-14; November 16-18; December 7-9; January 11-13, 2009; and, February 8-10, 2009. Interims will meet in February since the Regular Session begins 30 days later than usual to allow time for the Governor's Inauguration and preparation of the State-of-the-State Address.
The Legislature's Joint Committee on Government & Finance has designated a number of issues to be considered for study during the year by the various Interim Committees. The topics of interest to the industry along with the Committee that will decide whether or not to conduct the study are shown below. The Association will advise as final decisions regarding these studies are made by the respective committees.
*****indicates topics that were not identified by an approved resolution
Joint Commission on Economic Development
HCR 28
Development of Clean Coal Technologies such as Coal Liquefaction
***** Study of Economic and Environmental Impact of the Coal Industry
Joint Standing Committee on Finance
SCR 74 Review Property Tax Assessment and Appeals System
***** Monitor Water Trust Fund and New Reclamation Fund Tax
Joint Standing Committee on Government Organization
HCR 113 Authorize a study of the impact of climate change
Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary
SCR 11 Study Sequestration of Greenhouse Gases
SCR 57 Study the administration and enforcement of oil and gas wells relating to the rights
of surface owners
HCR 33 Authorize study of an increase in the prevalence of coal workers' pneumoconiosis
HCR 77 Study the existing law and regulation of oil and gas drilling by the State of West
West Virginia regarding the balance of existing rights between surface owners and
operators and what mechanisms now exist or can be enacted in law so that the
rights of both parties and the public are recognized
Joint Legislative Oversight Commission on State Water Resources
HCR 110 Study mitigation practices and resources in wetland areas