W.Va. Data Center Czar brings official state pitch to Fairmont
Chris Morris, director of West Virginia's Data Economy Office, visited Fairmont to present the state's pitch for data center development, emphasizing potential tax revenue and modern water conservation efforts. The event sparked mixed reactions from residents, with some expressing strong environmental concerns, particularly regarding state regulatory oversight. Morris highlighted lessons from other regions and the collaborative approach to the state's approval process.
Del. Phil Mallow hosted Chris Morris, West Virginia's director of the Data Economy Office, and Matt Herridge, secretary of commerce, in Fairmont to discuss the state's push for data center development. Mallow opened the discussion by suggesting that tax revenues from data centers could potentially eliminate state income tax and personal property tax, aligning with ongoing legislative efforts.
Morris highlighted the pervasive reliance on data centers in modern society, using examples like online payments and social media to illustrate their essential role. He also stressed that while traditional data centers and AI hyperscale data centers have different power and cooling needs, modern designs are significantly more water-efficient. Citing Loudoun County, Virginia, as a successful model, Morris argued that careful planning can help West Virginia avoid pitfalls and generate substantial revenue, even though data centers are not a complete solution for the state's economic development.
Morris outlined a collaborative approval process for data centers in West Virginia, emphasizing engagement with various stakeholders, including the West Virginia River Coalition. He also clarified that House Bill 2014, passed last year to encourage data center construction, did not fundamentally alter local control over projects. However, residents' reactions were divided. While some attendees, like Cameron Childers, expressed support for the state's progress, others, such as Shannon Yanna, voiced skepticism about the state's ability to regulate environmental impacts effectively, drawing parallels to the Fairmont Brine site being designated a Superfund Site. Critics called for independent environmental studies and robust legislation.