The 2013 Legislature ended its regular session on Saturday, April 13th at midnight. And, as is always the case, the Extended Special Session for the budget was called for the next week and was finished earlier than usual on Thursday, April 18th. This year, a total of 1,829 bills (665 Senate Bills and 1,164 House Bills) were introduced. A total of 216 bills, 106 Senate Bills and 110 House Bills passed.
Below is a listing of legislation directly related to coal and mining that passed, but what is not included are the myriad bills that were not considered, many of which had some negative connotation for the industry. During the 60 days there were more than 90 bills being monitored by the Association.
You may click on the bill number to retrieve the actual language of the bill that was approved.
HB 2579 (Committee Substitute), the Selenium Bill, changes the protocol for compliance with the existing, ridiculously low numeric standard for Selenium. The bill is awaiting the Governor’s signature
SB 462 will provide an extended period of time for mining permit applicants to respond to changes/requirements resulting from informal conferences during the application process. The bill is awaiting the Governor’s signature;
SB 243 (Committee Substitute) with House amendment is the bundled DEP rules bill that includes the WV/NPDES rule for coal mining facilities as well as rules pertaining to solid waste, hazardous waste, water pollution, gas drilling and air. The bill is awaiting the Governor’s signature.
HB 2352 (Committee Substitute), the Special Reclamation/Termination of Jurisdiction Bill passed and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.
HB 2571 (Committee Substitute) will reduce the conflict of interest restrictions for persons serving on the Environmental Quality Board. The restrictions in West Virginia have always been more stringent than the federal restrictions. A beneficial amendment was added in the Senate Government Organization Committee which requires recusal by members when hearing a case involving a permit in which there is a direct interest. The bill will be in effect from passage. The bill is awaiting the Governor’s signature.
HB 3043 (Engrossed) provides that machine mounted methane monitors required by last year’s mine safety law changes would qualify for the West Virginia Innovative Mine Safety Technology Tax Credit. The bill is awaiting the Governor’s signature.