VA HB1126

Directs the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources to convene a stakeholder work group addressing the decline of native migratory fish populations in the James River and Chesapeake Bay

Work group membership includes representatives from the Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Wildlife Resources, Marine Resources Commission, Virginia recognized tribes, surface water withdrawal operators, nonprofits, academic institutions, and fisheries experts

Requires evaluation of cumulative ecological impacts from surface water withdrawals that are currently excluded from Virginia Water Protection Permit requirements on aquatic organisms and freshwater systems

Directs the group to identify how state agencies address needs of fish listed as threatened or endangered under federal or Virginia conservation lists, and develop recommendations for updating regulations on unpermitted surface water intakes

Secretary must report findings and recommendations to the Senate and House agriculture and natural resources committees by October 1, 2027