HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 33
(By Delegates Douglas, Collins, Angotti, Azinger, Butcher,
Caputo, Everson, Flanigan, Hatfield, Kuhn, Manchin, Marshall,
Modesitt, Overington, Perdue, Prunty, J. Smith, L. Smith,
Stalnaker, Tucker, Varner, H. K. White and Willison)
Requesting the joint committee on government and finance to
continue to study the effects of blasting, including
activities in industries other than surface coal mining and
reclamation, on the environment and on property of the
citizens of the state of West Virginia.
Whereas, The Legislature and the citizens of West Virginia
are charged with prudent stewardship of the state's natural
resources; and
Whereas, The effects of blasting, including activities in
industries other than surface coal mining and reclamation, have
not been ascertained with specificity; and
Whereas, The Legislature needs accurate information regarding
blasting, including activities in industries other than surface
coal mining and reclamation, in order to make informed decisions
regarding legislation affecting our natural resources, our
environment and property of the citizens of the State of West
Virginia; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the joint committee on government and finance is hereby
requested to continue to study the effects of blasting, including
activities in industries other than surface coal mining and
reclamation, on the environment and on property of the citizens
of the State of West Virginia, with specific emphasis on the
following areas of inquiry:
(a) What are the effects of blasting on dwellings, water
wells and other protected structures; and
(b) How state laws correspond to current blasting technology
and its effect on the environment, and whether the laws should be
updated; and
(c) Whether current law adequately controls the time and
frequency with which blasting is permitted; and
(d) How state agencies have responded to concerns of
citizens living near blasting sites and how the resolution of
complaints may be improved; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the joint committee on government
and finance report to the regular session of the Legislature,
2000, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together
with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its
recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct
this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary
legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the joint
committee on government and finance.