Putnam United pushes for community input, transparency for proposed data center
Putnam County residents, organized as Putnam United, are opposing a proposed Google data center, citing environmental and water concerns and a lack of transparency. The group presented a resolution to county commissioners, who acknowledged that state legislation (House Bill 2014) has limited local control over such projects.
Residents of Putnam County, West Virginia, are mobilizing against a proposed Google data center project. Google has acquired 1,700 acres north of Buffalo for the facility, prompting local opposition due to concerns over environmental impacts, water usage, and a perceived lack of transparency.
Putnam United, a community group led by Heather Ranson, presented a resolution to the Putnam County Commissioners, advocating for greater community input in the decision-making process. Ranson highlighted past environmental incidents, stating, "Industry comes in and we suffer the consequences."
Putnam County Commissioner Andy Skidmore noted that House Bill 2014, recent state legislation, has significantly curtailed the power of local officials regarding zoning and ordinances for such projects. The bill aims to incentivize data center development in West Virginia, in part by allowing microgrids for power.
Despite the limitations, Skidmore stated that the project is proceeding through the county planning process as if HB 2014 did not exist, fulfilling what would typically be required for land purchased in an unzoned area. Putnam United plans to escalate their concerns to the state level, with construction reportedly about a year away.