Data centers attracted to WV, but local opposition exists

Nscale Energy & Power is proceeding with plans for its Monarch Compute Campus, a large data center facility located north of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, in Mason County. Dan Shapiro, chief power and energy officer for Nscale, highlighted the region's cold winters, mild summers, and abundant energy resources, including proximity to natural gas pipelines, as key reasons for selecting the site. Hope Gas is investing $250 million to build a 30-mile pipeline to supply the campus with natural gas, a move supported by West Virginia's House Bill 2014, which Nscale claims will allow them to deliver power without affecting ratepayers. Despite Nscale's projection of 700 full-time jobs at startup for the first phase, local residents express significant anger and concern regarding potential drawbacks. These include noise pollution, light pollution, groundwater and Ohio River contamination, and emissions from natural gas combustion. Elaine Matheny, a Mason County resident, criticized West Virginia politicians for supporting data center development without adequate safeguards and is helping to organize community resistance, including sharing information via social media. She noted that formal opposition is expected when Nscale files for environmental permits, and legal action remains a possibility. Matheny also highlighted the absence of a planning commission with zoning authority in Mason County, emphasizing the need for one to protect the community.