Gov. Morrisey: state leadership to work with local communities to chart data center future
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced plans to collaborate with lawmakers and community leaders to shape the future of data center development in the state. Efforts will focus on preventing noise pollution, controlling electricity rate hikes, and protecting water assets, building on House Bill 2014 which established state oversight. An advisory committee will be formed to set responsible standards.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey is actively engaging with lawmakers and community leaders to formulate a strategic plan for data center development across the state. The Governor highlighted House Bill 2014 as a foundational legislative step that has unified state oversight and provided clear regulatory insight for companies interested in establishing data centers.
Morrisey emphasized key areas of focus, including comprehensive water asset protection and ensuring that data center projects contribute to tax relief for residents. He stressed the importance of mindful development, specifically addressing concerns such as noise pollution and preventing electricity rate increases. The administration plans to establish an advisory committee to develop appropriate standards for noise mitigation and setback requirements to ensure community comfort. The Governor explicitly stated that the state would not tolerate entities causing spikes in electricity prices.
Beyond data centers, Governor Morrisey's administration is also tackling broader water infrastructure issues, having recently completed a listening tour in southern West Virginia. He noted that $174 million in state funds has already been allocated to water and sewer projects, with more initiatives underway to address long-standing challenges like leaks and inter-community pipe connections across various counties, including Wayne, Wyoming, McDowell, Mingo, and Fayette.