West Virginia releases 20-year 'Responsible Data Center Development' plan

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey introduced the state's 20-year 'Responsible Data Center Development' plan, revealing it at the state Capitol in Charleston. The plan, outlined in a 10-page document, aims to attract data centers to the state while simultaneously addressing widespread concerns related to water usage, power grid modernization, and local economic benefits.

The governor emphasized that West Virginia seeks to be a leader in water usage effectiveness and ensure all West Virginians directly benefit from data center revenue, without negatively impacting county budgets. The plan cites alterations to state code and House Bill 2014 to facilitate data center attraction while securing protections for the people and land.

Morrisey highlighted West Virginia's "clean slate" with zero active hyperscale facilities as an opportunity to thoughtfully guide long-term growth and avoid "unmanaged sprawl." However, Nikki Forrester of Tucker United, an economic and community advocacy group in Tucker County, expressed reservations. While appreciative of the plan's language, Forrester stated that it lacks concrete details and legally binding mechanisms to guarantee the stated principles, particularly regarding community control and meaningful involvement. She specifically referenced a proposed facility in Tucker County where she believes data centers are not being rolled out correctly.

State leaders indicated they are learning from other states' mistakes in data center rollouts. Forrester called for more transparency and tangible evidence of how data centers will protect and benefit local economies before construction begins, affirming that while not against data center development in principle, it must be done properly.