Lawmakers Increasingly Voice Opposition To Energy Projects
West Virginia lawmakers are increasingly opposing data center and transmission line projects, citing concerns over a lack of local control and negative impacts. Democrats specifically voiced opposition to the proposed Ridgeline Facility due to environmental concerns and tax revenue diversion caused by HB 2014. Republicans condemned the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link, arguing it prioritizes out-of-state interests.
West Virginia lawmakers across both parties are increasingly vocal in their opposition to energy projects, including data centers and transmission lines, arguing these developments fail to benefit West Virginians. Democratic leaders held a press conference in Davis, the proposed site of the Ridgeline Facility, a natural gas-fired microgrid and data center. House Minority Leader Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, condemned the lack of local control over rapid data center development, citing House Bill 2014 as a dangerous precedent that exempts projects from local zoning and diverts most property tax revenue to state coffers. Del. Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, highlighted that locales like Tucker County would lose millions in potential tax revenue.
Separately, the conservative West Virginia Freedom Caucus issued a press release condemning the high-voltage MidAtlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) transmission line. Sen. Chris Rose, R-Monongalia, chair of the Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee, described MARL as an "overreach" that prioritizes out-of-state interests, specifically citing its connection to northern Virginia's data center industry. Del. Chris Anders, R-Berkeley, expressed concern over the nearly $960 million cost to West Virginia ratepayers for a line primarily serving external interests. Both Democratic and Republican legislators have added their voices against these projects during recent Public Service Commission hearings and legislative interim meetings, reflecting growing frustration.