While the WVDEP already has management policies in place that are consistent with ecosystem-based management (i.e. CWA watershed management policy and regulation of acid mine drainage and the storage of hazardous wastes), very few of the existing policies are being implemented or enforced effectively. While the Spill Bill would be an important step towards preventing future chemical disasters because of its regulation of aboveground storage tanks, it is important that the WVDEP and the WV State Government focus its efforts on the enforcement of current and future management practices in order to prevent the failures of past ones. One way that they can improve enforcement procedures is by making the process more transparent.
In order to improve transparency, we recommend that the Governor invite a more inclusive group of stakeholders to discuss the details of the new “Spill Bill.” With the involvement of more stakeholders, more groups will feel directly responsible for making sure the bill is enforced. The citizens groups and environmental organizations that were originally excluded from the conversation might be more likely to monitor the WVDEP’s adherence to the policies, and they might be better informed on how to enforce the regulations themselves using other times of governance, such as information-based governance. Using the spread of information, public interest organizations can better inform public of West Virginia on the inconsistencies and biases of the state’s regulatory agencies.