Reporter’s Notebook: Bringing down the gavel

West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw is facing criticism for his role as an attorney representing data center and microgrid projects seeking air permits from the state Department of Environmental Protection. Hanshaw, a lawyer with the Bowles Rice law firm, is representing Fundamental Data in its efforts to locate a natural gas-powered microgrid in Tucker County for proposed data centers. He is also representing Fidelis New Energy for its data center/microgrid project in Mason County. Critics suggest a conflict of interest, as Hanshaw voted on House Bill 2014, which created data center and microgrid districts, and subsequently approved the Department of Commerce rules for these districts. However, proponents argue that Hanshaw's legal work predates HB 2014 and that legislators often have outside employment that may touch upon their legislative duties. The article highlights the ongoing legal challenges faced by Fundamental Data in keeping its project viable. This issue of transparency and potential conflicts is contrasted with Senate President Randy Smith, who is also under scrutiny for a PAC connected to him that attacked a rival without clear transparency regarding its funding or operations.