Dozens rally at Putnam County meeting against proposed Google data center in Buffalo

On Friday, community members in Buffalo, West Virginia, gathered at a Putnam County meeting to express their strong opposition to a proposed Google data center. Residents like Heather Ranson stated that Buffalo is not "ready for this" and is unwilling to "give up our little pieces of paradise." Jimmie Meadows, another attendee, raised concerns about the environmental impact, fearing "environmental disasters again just like the coalfields." The proposed data center, which Google announced plans for at the end of March, has prompted residents like Michael Mosteller to seek ways to address potential issues. Mosteller warned that everyone in the county would be affected by the project, citing concerns over electricity rates, infrasound issues, and water discharge and consumption. The meeting, where cameras were not allowed inside, highlighted the community's desire for strong involvement in preventing the data center's development.