Putnam County residents stand against proposed data center
Putnam United, a group of residents from Putnam County, West Virginia, presented a resolution to the Putnam County Commission against proposed hyperscale AI data centers. Residents voiced concerns about environmental impacts and the state's House Bill 2014, which they say removes local zoning and permitting authority. The group plans to continue their opposition efforts.
Putnam United, a coalition of residents from Buffalo, West Virginia, and surrounding communities, presented a resolution to the Putnam County Commission on August 25, 2026, expressing strong opposition to proposed hyperscale AI data centers. The group voiced concerns ranging from potential flooding and environmental impacts to the erosion of local control over development.
Central to their grievances is House Bill 2014, signed by West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, which Commissioner Andy Skidmore stated "takes all of our local authority away" regarding zoning and permitting for data centers. Residents, including Barbie Fronk and Kyle McCausland, emphasized the importance of clean water and a stable climate over AI development.
Putnam United organizer Heather Ransom confirmed the group's determination to continue meeting and advocating for local decision-making power. Governor Morrisey had announced the proposed data center on March 27, 2026, sparking the residents' ongoing efforts to challenge the development and the state legislation that facilitates it. The County Commission is currently evaluating the legal implications of challenging House Bill 2014.