Community rallies against proposed Google data center in Putnam County

Residents of Buffalo, Putnam County, West Virginia, are voicing strong opposition to a proposed Google data center. A community meeting, held on a Friday, saw several dozen members express concerns about the development's potential health and environmental impacts on their area. Cameras were not permitted inside the meeting, but the sentiment among attendees was clear: they are hoping to halt the data center project. Resident Heather Ranson articulated the community's stance, stating that Buffalo is not ready for the project and residents are unwilling to sacrifice their "piece of paradise." Another attendee, Jimmie Meadows, raised worries about potential environmental disasters, drawing parallels to the impacts of coalfields. The plans for Google to build on property in Buffalo were initially announced at the end of March. Michael Mosteller, another local resident, underscored the widespread effects the data center could have, citing concerns over electricity rates, infrasound issues, water discharge, water consumption, and overall electricity consumption. He emphasized that the entire county, and even the state, would be affected by these issues, as the community seeks ways to address the development.