The Aboveground Storage Tank Act was created in response to the 2014 water crisis when a chemical (MCHM) leaked into the Elk River, the drinking water supply of more than 300,000 people. Over the past decade the legislature has sought to weaken this critical protection to our drinking water. This year the Senate seeks to de-regulate the very tanks that led to the chemical leak. We can’t allow another water crisis to happen.
Take action to let legislators know you oppose SB 592.
West Virginia has historically be the victim of outside private interests pillaging our natural resources for profit, and leaving toxic pollution in its wake. Water is an ESSENTIAL resource. Every living thing on the planet needs clean water to stay alive. With water resources under threat already by human use and climate change, we need more than ever to protect our water sources and supporting riparian areas. The drought of the last two years has stressed many water resources, especially in the karst hydrology Shenandoah Valley where lowered water tables mean more sinkholes, and increasing population draws more groundwater. Farmers can’t farm, nature can’t function, and that means human suffering.
Whatever pressure you are under from industry, please think of the health and wellbeing of your communities first. And think of the future. We cannot be sure of the future of our water resources, so let’s not squander the ones we have. Our drinking water must not be compromised for the benefit of industry interests. Companies profiting from West Virginia’s resources should be held to the same safety standards as other industries operating near drinking water sources.
It is utterly irresponsible and unacceptable to actually vote for more dangerous water. You drink it. Your kids drink it. Please be responsible. I urge you to protect West Virginia’s water and vote NO on SB 592.
I suggest all members be provided with local water to drink while they are in session and labeled as such.
Without pure water, air, and soil…life on Earth will cease to exist.