Lawmakers sideline clean drinking water funding as they advance income tax cuts – Mountain State Spotlight

Legislative Session Update on Water Infrastructure in Southern West Virginia

Overview of Legislative Actions

On March 4, 2026, during the 50th day of the West Virginia Legislative session, Delegate Adam Vance (R-Wyoming) successfully moved his water bill out of committee to the House floor. This day, known as “crossover day,” is the deadline for bills to pass from their chamber of origin.

Delegates voted 52-41 to advance the bill; however, an attempt to suspend the constitutional rule requiring bills to be read three times before passage failed by a narrow margin (46-47). Consequently, the bill did not pass and is officially dead for this session.

Context and Funding Proposals

1. Initial proposals requested $250 million for clean drinking water improvements in the southern coalfields.
2. This was later reduced to $20 million.
3. Currently, lawmakers have decided further study is necessary before proceeding with funding.

Residents of southern West Virginia, who have endured decades of contaminated and undrinkable water, face continued delays in receiving relief. Meanwhile, legislative focus has shifted toward cutting personal income tax, potentially reducing state revenue by up to $250 million.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Concerns

• Caitlin Ware, United Methodist pastor and member of From Below (a coalition addressing coalfield water issues), criticized the prioritization of tax cuts over water infrastructure investment, emphasizing the urgent need for clean water.
• Two bills requesting $10 million each for water funding, introduced by Delegate David Green (R-McDowell) and Delegate Adam Vance (R-Wyoming), were both rejected by the House Energy Committee.
• Activists from the region demonstrated at the Capitol, highlighting the severity of water contamination.

Legislative Committee Feedback and Future Actions

The House Energy Committee expressed concerns that the proposed $10 million funding was insufficient to address the water crisis. They indicated intentions to revise the bill to enhance its effectiveness. Delegate Vance reported assurances that the issue will be studied during interim sessions between legislative periods.

Vance stated, “If the state can afford a tax cut, it can afford to fix the water,” underscoring the need to align fiscal priorities with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Additional Legislative Developments

• Portions of Delegate Green’s bill, which proposed a task force to manage struggling public service districts, were incorporated into a governor-backed bill aimed at restructuring water funding. However, this bill does not include new funding allocations.
• The House budget proposal includes $30 million in surplus funds for statewide water and sewer improvements, though this amount is considered insufficient and remains under negotiation.

Governor’s Proposal and Concerns About Privatization

The governor’s bill encourages small public water and sewer utilities to pool resources and implement intervention programs for struggling systems. Some lawmakers and community advocates, including Caitlin Ware, have expressed concerns that this approach could lead to privatization of utilities, potentially conflicting with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Governor Patrick Morrisey’s spokesperson, Lars Dalseide, clarified that the goal is to maintain viable, locally managed systems and not to facilitate forced takeovers.

Call for Action and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): The ongoing water crisis in southern West Virginia highlights the urgent need for investment in clean and safe drinking water infrastructure.
• SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Access to clean water is critical for reducing health risks and improving quality of life in economically disadvantaged coalfield communities.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Addressing water inequities in marginalized regions aligns with efforts to reduce disparities.

Caitlin Ware condemned the legislative inaction, citing reports from residents in Lincoln, Wyoming, McDowell, and Mingo counties who experience skin irritation from contaminated water. She described the situation as “shameful” and emphasized the human cost of delayed solutions.

Conclusion

Despite setbacks in the 2026 legislative session, advocates and lawmakers committed to continuing the fight for clean water in southern West Virginia. The issue remains a critical challenge that intersects with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, necessitating coordinated policy action and adequate funding to ensure safe, equitable access to water for all residents.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on the issue of clean drinking water in southern West Virginia coalfields, highlighting the lack of access to safe and clean water.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • The water crisis affects impoverished communities in coalfield regions, implying a connection to poverty alleviation efforts.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article discusses disparities in water quality and access in specific counties, pointing to inequality issues.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The legislative process and challenges in passing water funding bills relate to governance and institutional effectiveness.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.a: Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water and sanitation-related activities.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women have equal rights to economic resources, including access to basic services like clean water.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, or economic status.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services (Indicator 6.1.1)
   • The article highlights the presence of dirty and undrinkable water, implying the need to measure access to safe drinking water.
2. Government budget allocation to water and sanitation services
   • The discussion about funding bills, budget allocations, and tax cuts implies monitoring government expenditure on water infrastructure.
3. Number of public water utilities receiving federal or state funding
   • Concerns about struggling public service districts and intervention programs suggest tracking the support and management of water utilities.
4. Incidence of water-related health issues
   • Residents reporting skin irritation from water implies the need for health-related indicators linked to water quality.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: mountainstatespotlight.org