Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the need for a statewide greenhouse gas emission and reduction inventory .

Whereas, Some greenhouse gases occur naturally in the atmosphere, while others result from human activities. Naturally occurring greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone, and certain human activities add to the levels of most naturally occurring gases; and
Whereas, Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere when solid waste, fossil fuels and wood and wood products are burned; and
Whereas, Methane is emitted during the production and transportation of coal, natural gas and oil, decomposition of organic wastes in solid waste landfills and raising of livestock; and
Whereas, Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of solid waste and fossil fuels; and
Whereas, Very powerful greenhouse gases that are not naturally occurring include hydroflurocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFSs) and sulfur hexafluroide (SF

) which are generated in a variety of industrial processes; and
Whereas, Forests and vegetation act as sinks to help balance this increase in greenhouse gases by consuming carbon dioxide during photosynthesis; and
Whereas, Many states and nations are engaged in agreements and processes to inventory greenhouse gases and effectuate an overall reduction of greenhouse emissions; and
Whereas, The United States Environmental Protection Agency is obtaining information on emissions inventories and sinks nationwide; and
Whereas, It is in the best interest of the citizens of West Virginia to have a better understanding of the state's position as a net greenhouse gas emitter or a net sink; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the need for a statewide greenhouse gas emission and reduction inventory; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2007, 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.