Controversial West Virginia Agriculture Bill Sparks Fears of Corporate Encroachment on Local Communities

The recent approval of a controversial agriculture bill in West Virginia’s House of Delegates has sparked concerns among local residents and environmental activists that a logging company could resurrect plans to construct a toxic-spewing fumigation facility in the picturesque Allegheny Mountains. The bill, which passed with an 84-16 vote, bars counties from regulating agricultural operations, including the revocation of previously adopted regulations.

Hardy County resident John Rosato expressed his opposition to the bill, stating that it is “a backdoor way for non-local, corporate entities to build whatever they want, wherever they want, whenever they want, regardless of the impact on local communities.” The bill does not specifically address the fumigation facility, but it does ban counties from prohibiting the purchase or restricting the use of any federal or state-registered pesticide, herbicide, or insecticide.

Last May, Allegheny Wood Products withdrew an application for a state air permit to build a facility off U.S. Route 48 in the Hardy County community of Baker after residents bombarded state regulators with opposition. The facility would treat logs before they are shipped overseas, and the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Air Quality tentatively planned to issue a permit that would allow the facility to emit up to nearly 10 tons of the pesticide methyl bromide into the atmosphere each year. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, methyl bromide can cause lung disease, convulsions, comas, and ultimately death. It is three times heavier than air and can accumulate in poorly ventilated or low-lying areas and remain in the air for days under adverse conditions.

The bill’s passage leaves more of an opening for Allegheny to file for a new permit and less ability at the local level to produce regulations that would stop something like that from happening. It is also unknown whether Republican Gov. Jim Justice plans to sign the bill. The governor’s family owns dozens of businesses, including coal and agriculture. According to the governor’s official website, Justice’s companies farm more than 50,000 acres of corn, wheat, and soybeans in West Virginia and three other states.

Under the bill, county commissions would also be barred from adopting ordinances that regulate buildings on agricultural land or operations. Hardy County is along the Virginia line in the heart of the state’s poultry industry and is less than a two hours’ drive from Washington, D.C. County planner Melissa Scott expressed her concern about the bill, stating that it “definitely leaves more of an opening” for Allegheny to file for a permit and “less ability at the local level to produce regulations that would stop something like that from happening.”

The loss of local control over regulations is a significant concern for many residents, as it could lead to the exploitation of communities and the loss of their values and assets. County commissioner Steven Schetrom also expressed his concern, stating that the bill “leaves less ability at the local level to produce regulations that would stop something like that from happening.”

In recent years, lawmakers have expanded agriculture definitions to encompass nearly any activity taking place on any rural land. Now, it seems that this legislature is set on letting industries make their own rules at any cost to communities. The worst part is that this ‘industry above community’ mindset is setting up West Virginia for the next round of exploitation. Do we not learn from our own history?

The county commission will work to continue to educate the public about the importance of allowing communities to maintain their own values and assets. Leaving people feeling powerless to make change in their own communities definitely does not improve quality of life. It only takes away their desire to stay here.

The controversy surrounding the West Virginia agriculture bill highlights the importance of local control and the potential consequences of corporate encroachment on communities. It is a reminder that regulations are necessary to protect the health and well-being of residents and the environment. As the debate continues, it is crucial to consider the long-term impact of these decisions on local communities and the values they hold dear.

In conclusion, the West Virginia agriculture bill has sparked fears among local residents and environmental activists that a logging company could resurrect plans to construct a toxic-spewing fumigation facility in the Allegheny Mountains. The bill’s passage leaves more of an opening for Allegheny to file for a new permit and less ability at the local level to produce regulations that would stop something like that from happening. The loss of local control over regulations is a significant concern for many residents, and it is crucial to consider the long-term impact of these decisions on local communities and the values they hold dear. The controversy highlights the importance of local control and the potential consequences of corporate encroachment on communities. It is a reminder that regulations are necessary to protect the health and well-being of residents and the environment.