When I learned of West Virginia House Bill 2459, which was introduced by Delegate Wayne Clark (Charles Town, wayne.clark@wvhouse.gov), I was outraged. He knowingly put forth a bill that would negate the local zoning ordinances that do not allow industrial solar facilities to be built anywhere, anytime and without the local process. HB 2459 would give industrial solar facilities free reign to suck up farmland, destroy natural resources and negatively impact home and property values. Meanwhile, small businesses would still be subject to local zoning control, as if they were somehow less important to the character and economy of Jefferson County and West Virginia. Fortunately, HB 2459 sits in a judiciary subcommittee, waiting to die.

Enter the corruption.

On Feb. 14, Delegate Gary Howell (Mineral), introduced HB 3446. This bill conceals the most important aspect that made HB 2459 so terrible. It proposes to give industrial solar facilities an exemption and the right to build their toxic, inefficient and destructive solar fields anywhere, and without regard to the wellbeing of the people who will have to live amongst them. How is it that a bill can be effectively defeated in one house committee, only to be moved to another to ensure its passing? I know, I know . . . that’s politics.

Lobbyists and self-interested individuals are working hard to find a way to slip this one by us, before we catch on. They are using the cover of “renewable energy” to label themselves as altruistic leaders, who are only seeking to save the environment. The truth of the matter is much more in line with the narrative of politics in this country. There’s money behind it, and it’s being used to sway the legislative process.

Does it concern anyone that state representatives are introducing legislation that will have such a profound impact on their constituents, and not saying anything about it? When Wayne Clark proposed and sponsored HB 2459, he never posted anything about it on his social media. When I wrote to him, he sent me a form letter, clearly written by a lobbyist. I wrote to Gary Howell, no response. I checked his social media where he posts regularly about the bills he is involved with in session — nothing about HB 3446. He later blocked me from his page, rather than answer to his actions. These people are the individuals who propose and sponsor this legislation and they are hiding their actions from the people whom they say they represent.

It’s hard to say what is the worst part of all of this. Is it the attempt to silence citizen input, the effort to buy legislation by outside corporations or the outright concealment of activity being done by elected officials?

I encourage constituents to do their own research, to pay attention to the concealment of legislative activity by our elected officials and to take action, before it’s too late. Contact these delegates, tell them you know what they’re doing and you want to know why.

Rob Aitcheson, of Charles Town