The Role of Local Health Departments

Local health agencies in West Virginia are uniquely positioned to enact and enforce clean indoor air regulations. Local boards of health are appointed by elected local officials and charged with the responsibility to protect public health. These boards have broad authority to act on threats to public health.

Local boards of health have the authority to enact regulations to address public health hazards. Local legislation is far easier to implement than state or federal initiatives, since board members are more insulated from political tactics. While the tobacco industry does attempt to defeat local regulations, these efforts are rarely successful.

Clean indoor air regulations have typically enjoyed a good level of compliance with little enforcement required. Local health agencies are able to conduct compliance checks and enforce regulations utilizing trained environmental health specialists.