Action Alert: Strengthen Public Participation in WV
This week, the “Unclean Air Act” was re-introduced in the Senate and is currently before the Government Organization Committee.
Right now, West Virginia has a very limited number of official air monitors statewide, leaving large gaps in air quality data. Community air monitors help fill those gaps, providing information that can alert residents and agencies to potential pollution concerns.
Senate Bill 575 would prohibit state agencies from using community-collected air quality data. This data is not currently used for enforcement, however, it serves as an important early warning system for detecting pollution issues. Limiting the use of data makes it harder for communities to raise concerns and sets a dangerous precedent, which could also restrict community water quality monitoring in the future.
When something isn’t right in a neighborhood — like unusual odors, worsening asthma, or visible pollution — it’s the people living there who notice first. But without real-time air quality data, communities are left without the tools to fully understand what’s happening.
West Virginia’s air quality data — or lack thereof — tells a story. This EPA AirNow map shows today’s PM2.5 and PM10 levels — tiny pollutants we breathe in. Thanks to community-run PurpleAir monitors, we know when air quality is poor, yet gaps remain statewide. Now, SB575 attempts to undercut public air monitoring where we need it most.
Take action with us today: YOU helped defeat this industry-backed bill last session, and we need your help to stop it again. Contact leaders now to tell them you OPPOSE SB 575!
Communities know best when something is wrong in their environment.
Let’s make sure they have the tools to protect their health and each other.
For clean water & healthy communities,
West Virginia Rivers Coalition
