West Virginia Lawmakers Weigh In On Transmission Projects, Data Centers
West Virginia lawmakers are debating two proposed electric transmission line projects, which are partly attributed to growing data center demand. Simultaneously, Democratic lawmakers are advocating for amendments to House Bill 2014, a state law that streamlines data center development but restricts local government control, citing concerns from Tucker County residents about a proposed project.
West Virginia lawmakers convened for legislative interim meetings, where Republican representatives questioned the necessity of two proposed electric transmission line projects, while Democrats pushed for amendments to the state's data center district law.
Discussions in the Joint Standing Committee on the Judiciary focused on House Concurrent Resolution 22, which requests a study of policies for accelerating new electric generation infrastructure. However, the debate quickly shifted to NextEra Energy's MidAtlantic Resiliency Link and the Valley Link Transmission Company's proposed projects, which are designed to address regional grid congestion and growing electricity demand, partly attributed to the proliferation of data centers, particularly in Virginia. Legislators, including Del. Bill Ridenour, R-Jefferson, expressed concerns that West Virginia ratepayers would be subsidizing energy for other states' data centers.
Later, the House Democratic caucus held a press conference with Tucker County residents, demanding changes to House Bill 2014, known as the Power Generation and Consumption Act. The law, passed in 2025, facilitates data center and microgrid development by offering regulatory exemptions and altering property tax frameworks, but it restricts local governments from enacting ordinances that could hinder such projects. House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, and House Deputy Minority Leader Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, argued that local control is crucial and called for amendments to address environmental impacts like noise, emissions, and water usage, as well as ensure transparency from developers.
Concerns were also raised by House Minority Leader Pro Tempore Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, regarding the tax distribution formula and property valuation methods under HB 2014, suggesting it disproportionately benefits the state over counties. The article highlights the proposed 'Ridgeline' data center in Tucker County by Fundamental Data, which faces local opposition and whose air quality permit approval is currently being appealed, with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, representing Fundamental Data as an attorney.