WV legislative session shows concealment on data centers, other state government areas
A West Virginia state law, House Bill 2014, has removed local zoning control over data center projects and shielded developer information, sparking protests. Governor Patrick Morrisey's Department of Commerce certified two "high-impact" data center projects in Mason County under this law. Opponents argue the law prevents proper assessment of environmental and economic impacts, citing concerns about electricity, water, and pollution.
Community advocates from across West Virginia, including the group Mason WV United, gathered at the State Capitol in Charleston to protest House Bill 2014. This 2025 state law, passed at Governor Patrick Morrisey's request, is criticized for removing local zoning and regulatory control over data center projects and making information about these developments confidential.
Elaine Matheny of Mason WV United highlighted the lack of local notification for planned data center development in Mason County, which Governor Morrisey's Department of Commerce recently certified under HB 2014. This certification allows two "high-impact" data center projects to advance.
Opponents express concerns that the 14-day certification window stipulated by HB 2014 is insufficient for proper environmental and economic impact assessments by agencies like the Department of Commerce or the DEP. They point out that large-scale data centers, or hyperscalers, consume significant amounts of electricity and water, can strain local resources, and often rely on gas-fired power, leading to air pollution concerns.