Resolution relating to use of industrial sites and the potential impacts on downstream facilities
HCR 49 is a West Virginia legislative resolution (not a bill) requesting the Maryland General Assembly reject proposed changes to the North Branch Potomac River's water classification. It argues that designating the river as "Cold Water Aquatic Life" (instead of "Warm Water") would require West Virginia industrial facilities to install costly thermal controls like cooling towers to meet stricter discharge standards, imposing unnecessary costs. The resolution claims this would violate the U.S. Constitution's dormant commerce clause by unduly burdening interstate commerce, citing Supreme Court precedents like *Sporhase v. Nebraska*. It asks Maryland to withdraw the proposal and directs West Virginia's Attorney General to investigate the constitutional issues. (Note: This is a procedural resolution, not a law affecting policy changes.)
Bill status
passed both
4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
House of Delegates Passage
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Mar 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 18, 2025
Last action Mar 4, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
15
Key actions
3
Committee
1
Mar 3, 2025
Upper · Passed
Adopted by Senate (Voice vote)
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported be adopted
upper
Feb 19, 2025
Committee
To Natural Resources
upper
Feb 19, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Feb 18, 2025
Lower · Passed
Adopted by House (Voice vote)
lower
Feb 18, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 16 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Gary Howell
RRepublican
Co
Bill Ridenour
RRepublican
Co
Bill Roop
RRepublican
Co
Chris Anders
RRepublican
Co
Chuck Sheedy
RRepublican
Co
Clay Riley
RRepublican
Co
Jeff Stephens
RRepublican
Co
John Paul Hott
RRepublican
Co
Jordan Maynor
RRepublican
Co
Kathie Hess Crouse
RRepublican
Co
Lisa White
RRepublican
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