Town hall meeting scheduled to discuss proposed Google data center in Putnam County

In Buffalo, West Virginia, a community town hall meeting has been scheduled to address widespread opposition to a proposed Google data center. The meeting, organized by Pliny resident Heather Ransom, aims to formulate a unified response to the project announced by Governor Patrick Morrisey in late March. Google's plan involves acquiring 1,700 acres along Route 62 in Putnam County, a site attractive due to an existing Appalachian Power 765-kV transmission line. Ransom highlighted key community concerns, including a perceived lack of transparency, potential financial burdens on residents, and the significant health and environmental impacts associated with various types of pollution. While Google has stated its commitment to cover infrastructure costs for water, sewer, and electrical transmission, residents are also questioning the broader lack of regulation surrounding AI data centers. The development of data centers in West Virginia is linked to House Bill 2014, known as the Power Generation and Consumption Act, which established a certified microgrid program to foster economic growth. Despite a previous opportunity for public input at an April 14 Putnam County Commission meeting, where diverse concerns were voiced, the community is seeking a more organized approach to expressing its opposition. Commission President Andy Skidmore noted that the acquired acreage could potentially accommodate up to four data centers.