At the Governor’s request the legislature in 2009 took up the issue of carbon storage.  On April 11, 2009 a bill was passed (HB 2860) that is expected to be signed by the Governor.  The legislation mandates creation of a carbon dioxide sequestration working group and the promulgation of legislative rules to implement the provisions of the statute. 

 The statute also requires the working group to prepare an interim report for the legislature by July 1, 2010 and a final report by July 1, 2011 that includes, among other things, any recommendations for legislation addressing ownership of pore space.  The interim report was issued on July 1, 2010. There is some possibility that the working group may decide to speed up its work to complete the report earlier than July 2011.  This could make legislative consideration of a sequestration bill possible in 2011.

In 2009, the legislature also passed SB 507 that amended and reenacted a provision relating to the West Virginia Clean Coal Technology Council and mandated it to prepare a study of carbon capture and control.

Download .pdfs of full legislation below.