Data Center Development Takes Center Stage At House Interim Meetings
West Virginia lawmakers convened in Charleston for interim meetings to discuss strategies for attracting data center development to the state. Key discussions focused on leveraging power generation capacity, utilizing abandoned mine lands, and addressing community concerns regarding water usage and utility prices. Concerns were raised about state legislation that removed local oversight of data center projects.
During two days of interim meetings in Charleston, West Virginia, state lawmakers delved into strategies for developing data centers in the state. Following their attendance at Data Center World in Washington D.C., delegates reported that West Virginia is well-positioned to attract data center investments due to planned expansions in power generation and transmission capacity, as well as the potential use of abandoned mine properties. Governor Patrick Morrisey has set a goal to increase the state's power generation to 50 gigawatts by 2050.
Delegate Tristan Leavitt highlighted the industry's need for better communication with local communities, acknowledging a historical secrecy stemming from national security origins. He also addressed and dispelled common myths, confirming that the demand for data centers driven by artificial intelligence is not a fad. Delegates Leavitt and Jordan Maynor also discussed water usage, stating that a 500-megawatt data center might use approximately the same amount of water as an 18-hole golf course, with environmental approvals still required through the DEP process.
Concerns were raised by some delegates about potential utility price increases for consumers and strain on existing power infrastructure. Delegate Shawn Fluharty pointed out that House Bill 2014, passed in 2023, significantly removed city and county oversight of data centers, centralizing decision-making at the state level. Tax Commissioner Matt Irby indicated that while data centers are a significant selling point for tax revenue, actual assessment values are still uncertain as no large-scale data center has yet been built in the state.