WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE

2022 REGULAR SESSION

Introduced

House Bill 4687

By Delegates Walker, Evans, and Young

[Introduced February 15, 2022; Referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources then Government Organization]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new article, designated §22-33-1, relating to creating a quasi-public corporation to be known as the Wild and Wonderful Restoration Task Force Corporation; purposes; duties; and providing for legislative rules to prescribe the organization, powers and duties of the corporation.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

article 33. Wild and Wonderful Restoration Task force.

§22-33-1. Establishment of the Wild and Wonderful Restoration Task Force Corporation.

(a) The Department shall establish a quasi-public corporation, to be known as the Wild and Wonderful Restoration Task Force. The purpose of the corporation is to establish and develop a program to restore damaged lands in this state to their original condition. The program shall include tree planting, removal of invasive species, roadside wildflower restoration, provide clean waterways and test wells. The corporation shall develop and implement a program to use volunteers. The corporation shall be under the supervision of the department. The department shall provide the corporation with resources and technical assistance, as well as assistance in the administration of the corporation, and resources, equipment, and personnel to carry out the purposes of the corporation.

(b) The Department of Environmental Protection shall propose rules for legislative approval in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code to carry out the purposes of this section. The proposed rule shall establish the organization of a board of directors, prescribe powers and duties of the corporation and board, including the employment of employees, establish a program to engage and use volunteers and any other provisions necessary to carry out the purpose of this section.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to create a quasi-public corporation to be known as the Wild and Wonderful Restoration Task Force Corporation to establish and develop a program to restore damaged lands in this state to their original condition.

Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law, and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.