Morrisey talks data center plan
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey is defending his administration's new "Responsible Data Center Development Plan." The plan, which builds on an existing state law, outlines seven principles for data center development in West Virginia, aiming to protect ratepayers and water resources while encouraging industry growth. It also creates a new advisory council.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey recently defended his administration's "Responsible Data Center Development Plan," a new initiative aimed at guiding data center development within the state. The plan outlines seven core principles for bringing data centers to West Virginia and builds upon House Bill 20-14, a law signed by the Governor last year that established the state's initial process for approving such projects.
Governor Morrisey emphasized that the plan is designed to safeguard ratepayers and the state's water resources, while simultaneously fostering the growth of the data center industry. When questioned about whether the new plan introduces any legally enforceable protections beyond what's already mandated by existing law, Morrisey indicated that it clarifies how current strong laws will be enforced. He also pointed to a national "Ratepayer Protection Pledge" he signed, which ensures that developers, not everyday customers, will bear the cost of power infrastructure needed for these projects.
Furthermore, the "Responsible Data Center Development Plan" includes the creation of a new advisory council. This council will comprise local leaders, industry representatives, and conservation groups, and its purpose will be to help shape statewide policies and approaches concerning data center development.