Putnam United pushes for community input, transparency for proposed data center
Putnam United, a community group, is pushing for greater community input and transparency regarding a proposed Google data center in Putnam County, West Virginia. The group has presented a resolution to county commissioners, citing concerns about environmental impacts, water issues, and a lack of local control due to state legislation (House Bill 2014). County officials acknowledge limitations on local power but note the permitting process is ongoing.
Community residents in Putnam County, West Virginia, are expressing strong opposition to a proposed data center development by Google, which involves the purchase of 1,700 acres north of Buffalo. A group called Putnam United has voiced concerns regarding the lack of community input and transparency surrounding the project.
Heather Ranson of Putnam United presented a resolution to county commissioners, emphasizing the need for residents to have a voice in the decision-making process, which she believes should not be solely based on financial considerations. Ranson highlighted potential environmental impacts and water concerns, referencing a past chemical spill in the Kanawha River in 2014 as an example of negative consequences when industry operates without sufficient oversight.
Putnam County Commissioner Andy Skidmore acknowledged the limitations on local officials' power, citing House Bill 2014, recently passed by the West Virginia legislature. This legislation reportedly "strips all local control regarding zoning or ordinances" and aims to incentivize data center development in the state, partly by allowing microgrids for power. Skidmore explained that because the Buffalo data center is considered a state project, county commissioners are primarily limited to listening to concerns as the state-led permitting process continues.
Despite the legislative challenges, the county planning process is proceeding as if House Bill 2014 did not exist, fulfilling traditional requirements. Ranson indicated that Putnam United's resolution is an initial step, and the group plans to elevate their concerns to the state level. County officials estimate that construction for the data center is approximately a year away.