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SB 257

DEP rule relating to ambient air quality standards

2026 Regular Session

SB 257 grants West Virginia's DEP authority to establish and modify ambient air quality standards through regulatory rule-making to protect public health.

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Bill Summary · SB 257

Legislative bill overview

SB 257 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish or modify ambient air quality standards through regulatory rule-making. The bill provides the DEP with statutory authority to set air quality benchmarks that state facilities and regulated entities must meet to protect public health and the environment.

Why is this important

Air quality standards directly affect public health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and those with respiratory conditions. These standards also shape compliance costs for industrial facilities and influence economic development decisions, making the rule-making authority a substantive environmental and economic policy matter.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry burden: Stricter standards may increase compliance costs for coal, chemical, and manufacturing operations that are significant to West Virginia's economy
  • State vs. federal authority: The bill's relationship to existing federal EPA standards and whether state standards exceed or duplicate federal requirements
  • Rule-making process transparency: The extent of public input and scientific review required before DEP implements new standards, and whether the bill includes adequate procedural safeguards

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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