West Virginia Democrats Criticize Data Center Lobbyist Influence on Legislation

West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin has voiced strong criticism regarding the increasing influence of data center lobbyists at the State Capitol. His remarks followed the announcement of a lobbyist-sponsored luncheon during interim legislative meetings in Charleston.

Pushkin specifically called out House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, highlighting what he described as serious ethical questions. Hanshaw reportedly represents two proposed data center projects and is involved in the sale of land connected to a third. Pushkin argued that it is inappropriate for the Speaker to advocate for legislation that directly benefits companies tied to his law firm and personal financial interests.

The Democratic chair also condemned legislation, championed by Hanshaw and passed by the Republican supermajority, which he claims stripped local communities of significant authority over industrial-scale data center developments. Pushkin emphasized that these projects have considerable impacts on local infrastructure, electricity rates, water resources, noise levels, and overall quality of life. He contended that instead of prioritizing community concerns, lawmakers have empowered corporate developers and lobbyists.

Pushkin called for greater transparency and public discussion on the long-term effects of large data center expansions, including energy consumption, environmental impacts, and tax incentives. He asserted that West Virginians deserve a voice in these matters, rather than having decisions made behind closed doors by politically connected corporations and lawmakers with potential conflicts of interest.