West Virginia data center government liaison addresses concerns, announces new microgrid data center application
Neighbors of a data center construction site in Mason County, West Virginia, are experiencing issues including lack of communication, disruptions, and damage. Chris Morris, the state's data center liaison, is working to address these concerns and announced that a new application for a microgrid data center has been received by the Department of Commerce.
Residents near a data center construction site in Mason County, West Virginia, are vocalizing concerns regarding disruptions, property damage, and a perceived lack of communication and community input throughout the development process.
Chris Morris, director of the state's Data Economy Office and the designated data center liaison, addressed these concerns during an event in Charleston. Morris acknowledged the emotional nature of the issues and stated his commitment to perfecting the process through early and diverse community involvement. He also announced that the state's Department of Commerce recently received an application for a new data center featuring a microgrid, though details about its proposed location or developer were not disclosed.
Morgan King of the West Virginia Citizens Action Group echoed the sentiment that data center developments in the state are often rushed and lack adequate community engagement. Morris indicated he plans to implement a new strategy for early community engagement, involving the public and local leaders. He noted that some environmental concerns, such as water usage, light, and noise pollution, were legitimate historical issues in the industry but suggested some current concerns might stem from misunderstandings about modern data center practices.
Morris also acknowledged that construction inevitably causes impacts, including on local roads, describing these disruptions as an unavoidable aspect of projects that bring progress to an area.