Data center announcements in West Virginia spark concerns over water usage, transparency
Data center projects proposed in West Virginia are raising significant concerns among environmental advocates and local communities, primarily due to their substantial water usage and a lack of transparency from developers and the state government. House Bill 2014, which incentivizes data centers and removes local zoning jurisdiction, is a major point of contention, contributing to worries about environmental impact and community involvement. Advocates plan to push for legislative changes to protect water resources and ensure community input.
The rapid increase in proposed data center projects across West Virginia has ignited strong concerns from environmental advocates and local communities, primarily regarding water usage and a perceived lack of transparency.
Nathaniel Hitt, Senior Scientist with the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, highlighted that while data centers can consume millions of gallons of water daily, the crucial issue is how these impacts are managed and whether local communities are included in the decision-making process. He expressed worry that companies may extract resources and leave when markets change, echoing past industrial practices in the state.
The concerns are exacerbated by House Bill 2014, legislation passed to incentivize data center development by allowing them to use microgrids and, notably, by removing local and county zoning jurisdiction over these campuses. This legislative move has fueled anxieties over noise pollution, water usage, and the exclusion of local voices in developments that directly affect their "backyards."
Rev. Caitlin Ware, an outspoken advocate, pointed out the irony that some communities in areas like Mingo County have struggled with safe drinking water for decades, yet data center companies are preparing to treat water for their own cooling towers without extending potable access to the residents. Advocates are organizing to speak out during the 2027 legislative session, demanding action to preserve water sources and ensure community involvement in future data center developments.