West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia HCR26: Requesting a Study on Energy Recovery and Micro-Hydropower Opportunities in Public Water Systems to Reduce Operating Costs and Stabilize Water Rates
Status: Introduced, March 3, 2026
What the bill says
From the introduced text, March 3, 2026:
HOUSE concurrent RESOLUTION 26 (By Delegates G. Howell, Mallow, Toney, Young, Holstein, D. Cannon, Hanshaw (Mr. Speaker), and Green [Introduced March 3, 2026; referred to the Committee on Rules] Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the feasibility of implementing energy recovery and micro-hydropower technologies within public water systems in West Virginia to reduce operating costs and mitigate future water rate increases. Whereas, West Virginia has some of the highest residential water rates in the nation, placing a financial burden on households and creating barriers to economic development, housing growth, and industrial recruitment; and Whereas, Public water systems in West Virginia face high operating costs due to aging infrastructure, energy intensive treatment processes, mountainous terrain requiring pumping, and small customer bases that must absorb fixed costs; and Whereas, Energy costs represent a significant portion of water system operating expenses, particularly in systems that rely on pumping, pressure management, and treatment processes; and Whereas, Many public water systems contain existing infrastructure, including pressure reducing valves, transmission lines, plant discharge points, and low head dams, where excess hydraulic energy is currently dissipated and could be recovered through micro-hydropower or in-pipe turbine technologies; and Whereas, Energy recovery technologies installed within water systems can generate electricity to offset plant power consumption, improve operational efficiency, and reduce long term operating costs without requiring …
Sponsors
- G., Howell, (I) · primary sponsor
- Mallow, Phil (R, 075)
- Toney, Christopher W. (R, 043)
- Young, Kayla (D, 056)
- Holstein, Josh (R, 032)
- D., Cannon, (I)
- Hanshaw, Roger (R, 062)
- Green, David (R, 036)
Latest actions
- : To House Rules
- : Introduced in House
- : To Rules
- : Filed for introduction
Subjects: Date Introduced, Bill Tracking », Floor Activity, Roll Call Votes, Short Title, Committee Activity, Sponsor, All Same As
Common questions
- What is HCR26?
- HCR26 is a bill in the West Virginia Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Requesting a Study on Energy Recovery and Micro-Hydropower Opportunities in Public Water Systems to Reduce Operating Costs and Stabilize Water Rates.
- What is the status of HCR26?
- Introduced as of March 3, 2026. Latest action: To House Rules (March 3, 2026).
- Who sponsored HCR26?
- G., Howell, (I), with 7 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HCR26?
- On the West Virginia Legislature website: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Resolution_History.cfm?year=2026&sessiontype=RS&input4=26&billtype=cr&houseorig=h&btype=res
Source: official West Virginia record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.