Unprecedented impact of AI data centers demands thoughtful leadership, not rushed decisions

In West Virginia, a State Senate candidate for the district encompassing Bedington, where a 548-acre hyperscale data center is proposed, has voiced strong disagreement with Delegate Lisa White regarding the state's data center laws. The candidate argues that while economic development is crucial, current legislation, specifically House Bill 2014 from 2025, strips localities of vital oversight over data center projects, including planning, zoning, and access to information. She contends that this bill, reportedly rushed through the legislature by Governor Morrisey, lacks sufficient debate and gives a "special carveout" to the AI industry, which extensively lobbies lawmakers. The candidate highlights the significant impacts of hyperscale AI data centers, noting their immense electricity and water consumption—up to 100,000 homes' worth of electricity and 5 million gallons of water daily—as well as their potential to increase ambient temperatures and consume valuable farmland. She points out that the lack of local control prevents communities like Berkeley County from addressing concerns such as drying wells and environmental testing for cooling chemicals. Furthermore, the candidate criticizes the economic structure of HB 2014, stating that 70% of the property tax revenue from these projects goes to the state, not local counties, thus diminishing local funds for schools and EMS. She also mentions HB 2013, a bill that would have further reduced data centers' tax liability, which fortunately did not pass. She advocates for requiring hyperscale data centers to involve local decision-makers, use closed-loop cooling, submit to environmental testing, fund infrastructure upgrades, and produce their own power to mitigate local impacts. Contrasting Delegate White's argument that strict state rules are necessary to attract projects, the candidate cites Virginia's 600+ data centers operating without a singular statewide rule, suggesting West Virginia has leverage due to the high demand for land. She concludes by calling for elected officials to prioritize constituent concerns over out-of-state interests, especially noting Speaker Roger Hanshaw's firm representing data center developers shortly after the legislative session.