Those who live in West Virginia are glad to be able to look out on unspoilt mountains and lakes. They are glad that the aim of the West Virginia State Senate is to protect the environment for the people who live in West Virginia. If you want to read it for yourself then take a look at http://www.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE/22/code/WVC%2022%20%20-%20%201%20%20-%20%20%201%20%20.htm. You should just be able to click through the link and see what has been agreed in the past with its high aims and lofty ideals.

It seems as if this code has been drafted without reference to the Federal authorities and any laws they may pass that bear upon the state laws of West Virginia. Now this code predates the Federal legislation of environmental laws but the principles stated here need to be communicated effectively everywhere that West Virginia has any influence.

What are the aims? West Virginia Code 22 aims to restore and protect the environment. The environment is seen as fundamental to the health and welfare of the individual citizens of West Virginia. The government is ultimately responsible for the healthful environment for the citizens. The aims are set out clearly, and although the ideals may slip, there is a benchmark for those who build and use production facilities and homes in the West Virginia Area. There is an acknowledgment by the West Virginia government that they are responsible for the environment. The difficulty for so many businessmen is that we must pay for what we do wrong, even if we had the best advice possible when we built the factory, or the production process was devised.

The state has a primary responsibility for environmental protection assisted by the citizens of West Virginia, other government organizations together with public and private entities. This is a task that no-one can complete on their own. Every one of us must work together and in some ways the whistleblowers are the last line of defense. A whistleblower is someone who knows an organization is bending or breaking the environmental laws and is prepared to inform the authorities.

The public of West Virginia must be involved by participation and public hearings of any changes relating to the environment.

West Virginia looks for efficiency in the approach to the environment and its support. The whole range of responsibilities for the environment come into play looking at its wise use, enhancement and conservation as well as preservation and protection. It is great to hold on to what we have, but we must take steps to make the best use of our entire natural environment. The view of the West Virginia senate is to coordinate, consolidate and integrate all the Federal and state programs concerned with the environment. There is no point in duplication of effort when it comes to the environment. The programs should be cost effective and efficient. It is not always easy to combine these two when concerned with the environment as so much of the land area of West Virginia is farm, forest, mountain and lakes. All the programs should aim to prevent injury to animals, plants and aquatic life. The programs must also support and enhance the quality of life enjoyed by the citizens of West Virginia. One last proviso does, however, strike a note of caution. West Virginia wants to promote economic development consistent with its environmental goals and standards. What happens if the development is not according to the goals and standards, and employment is needed in that area?

Our environment can be the cause of great joy for those that live and vacation in West Virginia. Only by working with the governmental and non-governmental agencies can we keep this place for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.