West Virginia House Bill HB135

West Virginia 2023 1st Special Session

• Introduced: 8/6/23
• Refer: 8/6/23

Caption

Supplementing and amending the appropriations to the Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Environmental Protection

Impact

By increasing the appropriation to the Division of Environmental Protection, HB135 aims to enhance the state's capacity to implement environmental regulations and programs effectively. This funding is particularly vital as it allows the department to address ongoing environmental challenges, support operational costs, and engage in necessary projects aimed at safeguarding West Virginia's natural resources. The bill underscores a commitment to improved environmental governance in light of existing surplus funds within the state treasury, which can be redirected to pressing environmental needs.

Summary

House Bill 135 focuses on the appropriation of public funds within West Virginia's state budget. Specifically, it seeks to supplement and amend the appropriations allocated to the Department of Environmental Protection, ensuring robust funding for its operations as part of the fiscal year 2024 budget. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining environmental oversight and management by providing additional resources to the relevant state department, which plays a critical role in environmental protection efforts across the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB135 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among stakeholders who prioritize environmental protection and fiscal responsibility. Advocates for the bill emphasize the necessity of adequate funding for the Department of Environmental Protection to ensure the state's environmental health and compliance with regulatory frameworks. However, there may be discussions regarding budget priorities and how such appropriations align with other state needs, leading to varying opinions among legislators and constituents.

Contention

Although the bill seeks to allocate surplus funds to a critical area, potential points of contention may arise related to the sources of such surplus, as well as competing interests that could vie for the same financial resources. Legislators may argue over the implications of prioritizing environmental funding over other services, reflecting broader state budget discussions. Thus, while the intent of HB135 is to bolster environmental initiatives, it also opens the floor for debates about fiscal management and the appropriate allocation of state resources.