West Virginia unveils 20-year plan for 'responsible' data center development
West Virginia officials, led by Gov. Patrick Morrisey, unveiled a 20-year plan to attract data centers to the state while ensuring protections for electricity customers, water resources, and local communities. The plan establishes seven principles covering comprehensive planning, revenue sharing, water conservation, and grid reliability, aiming to set standards before significant industry growth occurs. It also emphasizes that developers should procure their own energy resources and that existing environmental regulations will apply.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, alongside state legislative leaders, announced the West Virginia Responsible Data Center Development Plan, a 20-year framework designed to attract data centers while safeguarding the state's natural resources, electrical grid, and communities. Unveiled at the state Capitol in Charleston, the plan aims to set proactive standards for the emerging industry, contrasting with challenges faced by other states.
The plan outlines seven core principles, including comprehensive planning, revenue sharing, and robust protections for electricity customers, water resources, and community interests. It stipulates that 50% of new revenue from data centers would fund state income tax reduction, 30% would remain in the host county for local services, and the remainder would support other counties and infrastructure improvements.
Key components address electricity and water usage. Developers will be expected to provide or procure their own energy resources and fund infrastructure upgrades to prevent increased costs for residential customers. Water conservation is also a priority, with data centers remaining subject to existing state environmental regulations and encouraged to adopt advanced cooling technologies. The plan emphasizes that data center growth will not compromise affordable energy access or strain public utilities.
Additionally, the framework calls for the establishment of a data advisory council composed of academic, local government, conservation, industry, and utility representatives. This council would help develop statewide standards for issues like property setbacks, noise mitigation, and aesthetics. Both Senate President Randy Smith and House Speaker Roger Hanshaw expressed support, underscoring the state's intent to apply existing regulatory expertise to this new industry, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws while fostering economic development.