Shepherd University Hosts Panel On Effects Of Data Centers

The Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communication at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, is hosting a panel discussion titled "Data Centers in our Backyard – Jobs, Infrastructure, and Community Impact" on March 31. Moderated by Steve Pearson, editor of The Observer Weekly, the event aims to foster a better understanding of the community and statewide impacts of data center construction, which has seen rapid acceleration across West Virginia. Governor Patrick Morrisey and the West Virginia Legislature have championed data center development as a key opportunity for economic growth and job creation within the state. Legislative action, including the passage of House Bill 2014 last year, established the Certified Microgrid Program to enable data centers to generate their own power. Several data center projects are already underway or have been announced. Construction permits have been issued for projects in Tucker, Mingo, and Mason counties. Furthermore, Governor Morrisey recently announced significant investments, including a data center by Penzance Management in Berkeley County and a Google data center in Putnam County. Additionally, a new transmission line project, approved by the regional transmission operator PJM, is awaiting state regulatory approval to link data centers in northern Virginia to power plants in Pennsylvania, traversing four counties in northern West Virginia.