In The News

Americans can purchase 91 models of electric cars and trucks — but as of Tuesday, only 14 of them will qualify for federal tax breaks intended to persuade motorists to forsake their gas-guzzlers. That number is sure to change. But for now, new Biden administration rules first announced March 31 will sharply winnow the number of vehicles now eligible for the $7,500 tax credit, a long-awaited list that the Treasury Department published Monday morning. The new list is a big win for... Read More

CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito announced funding for a West Virginia state program. On Monday, April 17, 2023, $1,229,006 was awarded for the West Virginia State Tobacco Control Program. The program was made by the West Virginia Division of Tobacco Prevention, the leading state agency for tobacco prevention, cessation, and control. “The HHS funding announced today allows us to address tobacco use in our state and improve the health of West Virginians. This... Read More

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – A West Virginia business owner has been honored with an inaugural national award for his work in advocating for researching treatments and cures for Parkinson’s disease. George Manahan, of Charleston, was honored this month with the first-ever Hero of Advocacy Award from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. According to the Foundation, Manahan is one of their most active advocates. When Manahan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s,... Read More

An update to Federal Highway Administration guidance related to a $1.2 trillion infrastructure law is among key achievements House Republicans are touting during their first 100 days governing in the majority. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) pointed to his caucus’ push for action on FHWA’s 2021 policy memorandum, which was updated earlier this year. The document’s update is part of the committee’s record of... Read More

West Virginia University will receive $8 million, through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, to develop a first-of-a-kind facility to extract and separate rare earth elements and critical minerals and materials from mining waste. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $16 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring critical mineral supply chains to America and reduce reliance on competitors like China. The funding will support projects in West Virginia and North... Read More

State Resiliency Officer Robert Martin reported to the Joint Legislative Committee on Flooding Sunday about his agency’s efforts to prevent flood related deaths in West Virginia. Martin talked of multiple flood mitigation projects, one of which included the Milton Flood Wall in Cabell County. He told committee members that Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-WV, and Joe Manchin, D-WV, are working to appropriate another $190.7 million for work on the Lower Mud River Flood Risk Management Project... Read More

On Thursday, the Mountain Valley Pipeline received a little good news to mix with recent legal hurdles: The U.S. Forest Service approved the pipeline to pass through Jefferson National Forest along the West Virginia-Virginia border from Monroe County to Giles County. The Forest Service decision impacts about 3.5 miles of the 303-mile project, which is said to be 94% complete. The 42-inch pipeline is needed, proponents say, to transfer natural gas from the rich, fertile Marcellus and Utica Shale... Read More

WASHINGTON—Republicans don’t control the Senate. But on some days, they have controlled the Senate’s agenda on issues including crime and the environment.  While Democrats run the Senate floor on account of their 51-49 majority, Republicans are using various tools to force votes on issues dear to the GOP, over the opposition of Senate Democratic leaders and President Biden. They have employed the Congressional Review Act and other provisions of federal law to target rules... Read More

Clean drinking water and responsible disposal of wastewater are two primary characteristics of a safe community. West Virginia has 596 separate water and sewer utility systems, and, according to the state Public Service Commission, “Over time, some have fallen into disrepair and struggle to provide customers with safe, adequate and affordable service.” The American Society of Civil Engineers 2021 Infrastructure Report Card gave the state a “D” grade on water. “Some... Read More

It’s fair to say that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is anticipating some feedback in its battle against greenhouse gas emissions. Following a controversial White House announcement earlier this week regarding proposed greenhouse gas emission standards on heavy-duty trucks, the EPA is planning a virtual public hearing that could last up to three days. In a notice that is scheduled to publish in the Federal Register on Monday, April 17, the EPA announced it will have a public... Read More

A federal court in North Dakota has issued a preliminary injunction against the Biden administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing its final rule redefining Waters of the United States (WOTUS). The final rule has been the source of opposition by West Virginia leaders, including Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, who, along with Virginia AG Jason Miyares, led a coalition of 24 states in a lawsuit to vacate the... Read More

For the third time, the U.S. Forest Service has given a green light for the Mountain Valley Pipeline to cross the Jefferson National Forest near the border between West Virginia and Virginia. It’s a critical link for the 300-mile pipeline, which is a priority for state leaders but is opposed by environmental groups. Its opponents have been successful in stalling the pipeline. Earlier this month, a federal appeals court voided the West Virginia Department of Environmental... Read More

CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS)– United States Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and other senators sent out a letter to the FCC calling for the rollout of Next Generation Television standard to support local broadcasting. According to Capito, the new standard will help broadcasters provide quality news and improved emergency alert systems. A bipartisan group of 28 senators signed this letter, and was led by Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Todd Young (R-Ind). The other senators that helped... Read More

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) recently introduced a bipartisan bill to bolster the care of and information-sharing for missing and runaway foster youth. “We must do all we can to protect our most vulnerable children and keep them safe,” Sen. Capito said on April 12. “This legislation is a step in the right direction in achieving that goal.” Sen. Capito on March 30 signed on as one of three original cosponsors, along with U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), of the... Read More

A federal court in North Dakota has issued a preliminary injunction against the Biden administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing its final rule redefining Waters of the United States (WOTUS). The final rule has been the source of opposition by West Virginia leaders, including Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, who, along with Virginia AG Jason Miyares led a coalition of 24 states in a lawsuit to vacate the rule. Morrisey... Read More

WEIRTON, W.Va. (WTRF) Another step in the right direction for economic development in Weirton. The Industrial Access Road project for the Frontier Crossing development received $1.5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending thanks to Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin.And with that money, Phase 1 of the road is completely funded. Phase 1 will also play a key part in Form Energy’s planned iron-air battery manufacturing facility that was recently announced. Frontier Group... Read More

GRANTSVILLE — Ground will be broken Saturday afternoon on an $8.4 million effort to renovate the former Calhoun County High School into a community center serving multiple counties in the region. The event is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday at the school building. According to a release from the 1982 Foundation, which is leading the project, the center will focus on child care and development, entrepreneurial support and business development and addiction recovery. “None of these... Read More

ELKINS — Both local and national leaders are remembering Willard Herron, a longtime Randolph County businessman and governmental official who passed away this week at age 94. “In public service, you meet a lot of good people and sometimes you meet great ones,” U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said of Herron. “Willard was a dedicated community leader, father and husband, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a supportive friend. “Willard was... Read More

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) is among several senators to introduce legislation that would create greater opportunities for small businesses in underserved states. Specifically, the bill, the FAST Fix Act, S. 1003, would allow these small businesses to gain access to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding awards. The SBIR and STTR programs are competitive grant programs administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA)... Read More

GRANTSVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – In one of Central West Virginia’s economically distressed counties, a Phoenix is rising. On April 15, 2023, Calhoun County and The 1982 Foundation will celebrate the groundbreaking of an $8.4 million mixed-use community center and pool, which are expected to serve seven counties directly, and likely more. West Virginia Governor Jim Justice celebrated the project, noting nostalgically,... Read More