West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice signed into law, on Feb. 23, 2024, Senate Bill 171. Some consider the bill controversial legislation that bars county commissions from passing ordinances or rules stricter than state law regarding agricultural operations. rules stricter than state law regarding agricultural operations. SB 171 becomes law despite fears in Hardy County, where Allegheny Wood Products just closed, putting hundreds out of work, and throughout the state the bill will remove county zoning oversight that has been an obstacle to locally unpopular agricultural and energy projects.