The following topics are in the current edition of the Mountain State Sierran magazine. To see these articles go here. To go to prior issues click on the picture of the front page shown below.
Blackwater Canyon Becomes Public Land
Betsy Jaeger Lawson reports on the recent acquisition of private land to become part of the Monongahela National Forest. The effort stopped the attempt to make part of the rail-trail a logging road.
(My Last) Voice from the Chair
Jim Kotcon writes about events that have taken place while he was the WV Chapter Chair, and reviews issues still needing to be resolved.
From the Director: Help Us Build a Stronger Chapter Together
Honey May invites and encourages people to join the WV Chapter of the Sierra Club so that we can make it stronger, more effective, and more impactful.
How Ratepayers May Pick Up the Tab for Big Tech’s Buildout
Betsy Jaeger Lawson writes "Our regional grid operator, local utilities, and big tech companies are successfully exploiting an outdated regulatory process to con us into paying billions of dollars of their costs to do business, while doing little to encourage growth in renewable energy. We are paying for fossil fuel expansion in multiple ways.
WVEC Sets Environmental Goals for the 2026 Legislative Session
Jillian Welsh reports on the West Virginia Environmental Council Annual Meeting held on September 20 at the Cedar Lakes Conference Center Jackson Hall. One theme was the growth of data centers in the state..
Citizens Weigh In on PFAS at Workshops in the Panhandles
Maria Russo and Meagan Niebler write about the efforts of state citizens to protect public water supplies from PFAs
West Virginians Find New Power Options in Solar Co-ops
Cory Chase writes about the creation of the Eastern Panhandle Solar Co-op, work done by a collaboration between the Sierra Club and the Solar United Neighbors (SUN) group.
The Wood Turtle: A Red-Legged Jewel Needing Protection
This article, written by Steven Krichbaum, describes the Wood Turtle, a creature that lives in forests in West Virginia, but which is in danger of extinction.
An Unexpected Gardener’s Guide to Sustainable Backyard Gardening
Jenny Thacker writes about her creation of an organic, sustainable, backyard garden, a project that became a community effort.
The WV “Toxic Tour” Also Eyes Clean Alternatives in Tucker County
Lisa Di Bartolomeo reports on a Sierra Club tour done on November 9 in Tucker County, including a visit to near the Mount Storm power station, a look at wind turbines, and meeting with other environmental groups.
Morgantown Environmental Gathering Offers Opportunity to Exchange Ideas & ResourcesOutings
On November 6, the Monongahela Group of the Sierra Club West Virginia Chapter welcomed the public to "An Evening of Conversation with Local Environmental Voices" at First Presbyterian Church of Morgantown to hear a brief message from Delegate Evan Hansen (D-Morgantown) as well as introductions from 15 local environmental groups. About 50 people enjoyed a chili dinner prepared by volunteers and, after
hearing from the various representatives, broke up into smaller groups to brainstorm common goals.
Outings
Describes future outings in West Virginia organized by the WV Sierra Club and its chapters.
No Kings Rally
October brought people out for No Kings rallies all across the nation, including West Virginia. Around 2400 people gathered in Shepherdstown.
Winter 2025
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Winter 2024
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Spring 2024
The West Virginians for Energy Freedom is organizing a petition for West Virginians to sign that supports increased monitoring and control of electricity costs. They note that "West Virginians deserve affordable, reliable, and fair utility services. This Ratepayer Bill of Rights states that all residents and businesses must be treated fairly and transparently by all electric, gas, and water utilities regulated by the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC). it includes the following issues:
1. The right to fair and reasonable rates.
2. The right to reliable and safe service.
3. The right to transparent and accurate billing.
4. The right to fair disconnection protections.
5. The right to energy assistance and efficiency.
6. The right to renewable energy access,
7. The right to fair representation and dispute resolution.
Go here to see more and to sign the petition. The group, together with the WV Sierra Club, recently had a public meeting in Morgantown. It is described in the Events and Activities page.
In response to the 2022 Biden Administration executive order, last December the U.S. Forest Service released a Notice of Intent for a nationwide forest plan amendment to conserve old-growth forests across the National Forest System. On June 20, USDA released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the National Old Growth Amendment (NOGA). NOGA focuses on threats to Western forests, such as wildfires, drought, insects, and disease, while ignoring the likelihood of flood risk and the benefits that Eastern old-growth forests can provide in terms of reducing runoff. Furthermore, it advocates continued logging for forest maintenance, disregarding the executive order to encourage mature and old-growth ecosystems. The Sierra Club urges that “the Administration and the USFS hear overwhelming public support for conserving our mature and old-growth forests across the country.
The Dominion-Post newspaper announced in its March 31, 2023 edition that "Over the next three years, researchers with the West Virginia University Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions will try to gain a robust understanding of where and why leaks of methane and other gases happen and their effects on local air quality and global climate.
"With the support of $5.5 million in U.S. Department of Energy funding, the project, led by Derek Johnson, associate professor at the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, will focus on methane emissions — a planet-warming greenhouse gas — from liquid storage tanks across West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio...
"Johnson said he believes the project has the potential to generate findings with impact on national and global practices and technologies."
Sierra Club Links
Mon Group Facebook page
Eastern Panhandle Group Facebook page
West Virginia Chapter web pages and Facebook page
Main organization web pages and Facebook page
Contact us at SCWVMG@gmail.com