Something to Think About
Don Michael, WVFB Director of Governmental Affairs
One for the Ages – The
2014 Legislative Session is
quickly becoming one for
the ages. At this writing one
week remains in the Regular
Session, a session characterized
by frequent party caucuses,
intensity, compassion and
devisiveness. I told one staffer
I had not seen such a session
since I joined Farm Bureau in 2007. The reply was, “I
have been here 30 years and haven’t seen anything like
it!” Comments from both sides
of the aisle are revealing. One
legislator noted, “The wheels are
coming off the cart!” Another
commented, “You have to be able
to move vertically, horizontally
and diagonally to survive down
here!” The atmosphere is
“charged” and the process for the
dedicated public servant is nerveracking and non-stop. For the
devoted lawmaker the 60-Day
Regular Session marks a period
of long hours, little sleep and poor nutrition. The normal
work day can involve 14-16 hours. Why do they do
it? Because they care! Be sure to take time to let your
legislators know how much you appreciate their efforts.
“
being considered by the House. The purpose of the
resolution is to propose a constitutional amendment
to claim the state’s water resources for the use and
benefit of its citizens. The primary focus of SJR 12
is to protect West Virginia’s waters from any out-ofstate water-grab! Farm Bureau was able to work with
Land and Mineral Owners to secure language in the
Committee Substitute approved by the Senate which
protects landowner water rights – “It shall be the policy
of the State of West Virginia that the water resources
of this state shall be protected, conserved, utilized and
developed for the benefit, enjoyment and general welfare
of its citizens consistent with
and subject to the riparian
rights and groundwater rights
of the owners of real property.”
We are hopeful the House will
concur.
For the devoted
lawmaker the 60-Day
Regular Session marks
a period of long hours,
little sleep and poor
nutrition.”
Water continues to be the hot topic “under the Dome.”
As I reported last month, the Senate completed action
(33-0) on a water resources protection bill – SB 373,
which provided appropriate exemptions for agriculture.
The bill received a major overhaul in the House and it is
questionable how many exemptions will survive. The
legislation appears destined to a Conference Committee
involving House and Senate members. We are hopeful
the final product, if agreement can be reached, will
address the issues related to the chemical industry and
not provide a host of unintended consequences for
others.
A Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution
12 passed the Senate by a 33-0 vote and is presently
Many Farm Bureau
members and stakeholders (WV
Royalty Owners, WV Surface
Owners, etc.) raised questions
and concerns when pooling
legislation was introduced late in
the session. As a result the legislation died in committee.
Farm Bureau is committed to working with industry and
stakeholder friends to secure reasonable and responsible
legislation in the future. Special thanks to Ron Hayhurst,
WV Royalty Owners’ Association, who has worked
closely with Farm Bureau throughout the session.
There is much more to report on legislation – stay
tuned next month. Although the session has been intense
and divisive, the system works! Can it be improved?
You bet! But one thing I trust will never change about
our system is the protocol of both chambers opening
their sessions with prayer (and the House follows with
the Pledge of Allegiance) . . . Of course, this is “Almost
Heaven, West Virginia.” During these challenging times
I leave you with my favorite church marquee of the
month from Wood County – “Don’t give up! Moses was
once a basket case.” KEEP SMILING FRIENDS, God
bless you and your loved ones, and God bless America.
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 5