Stakeholders statewide unite to form WV Data Center Accountability Project
The West Virginia Data Center Accountability Project (WVDCAP), a new statewide coalition, has formed to oppose the rapid and unregulated development of data centers across West Virginia. The group demands greater accountability from government and corporations, citing concerns over environmental impacts, water and electricity usage, health risks, and a lack of local input. They advocate for community control over these developments and support moratoriums, particularly in light of House Bill 2014 which has limited local authority.
Community organizations and concerned residents across West Virginia have united to form the West Virginia Data Center Accountability Project (WVDCAP). This new statewide coalition aims to combat the rapid and unregulated expansion of data centers, demanding greater government accountability and advocating for community input on development projects. The groups express significant concerns regarding environmental impacts, increased water and electricity consumption, potential health risks, and insufficient local control.
Various spokespeople from local groups highlighted specific grievances. Morgan King of WV Citizen Action Group emphasized the need for a collaborative network to address environmental, economic, and health risks. Heather Ransom of Putnam United, representing residents of Buffalo, voiced concerns about the permanent changes to rural communities and the lack of resident benefit from current projects, noting that House Bill 2014 (HB2014) reduces tax revenue from data centers. Elaine Matheny from Mason WV United described existing health and flooding problems near the Monarch Compute Campus, criticizing HB2014 for limiting public awareness and local say in data center developments.
Jim Kotcon, Sierra Club Conservation Chair, called for stringent environmental protections, especially for air and water, against what he views as lax state oversight. Amy Margolies, Director of Tucker United, pointed to Fundamental Data's proposed facility in Tucker County as an example of a project threatening water resources and local landscapes, echoing Governor Morrisey's past critical comments about the company. Amanda McWhorter, an Ohio County resident, detailed frustrations with city officials in Wheeling regarding the proposed Silicon Foundation Data Center project in Warwood, noting the lack of answers despite the project remaining under local control and the increasing calls for moratoriums.
Rupok Bhuiyan of No Data Centers in the Eastern Panhandle highlighted concerns over well water, noise, air pollution, and rising electricity bills due to data center expansion, particularly criticizing HB2014 for removing local control. Olivia Miller, Interim Executive Director of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, reiterated the widespread concerns about the speed and scale of data center development, urging for public input and the protection of natural resources for future generations. The coalition underscores the bipartisan nature of opposition to unchecked data center growth across the country and calls for similar local control and moratoriums in West Virginia.