Residents rally against proposed Bedington Data Center
Residents in Bedington, Berkeley County, West Virginia, are protesting a proposed large-scale data center development, citing concerns over water and electricity usage and the loss of rural character. Opposition is also fueled by House Bill 2014, a state law that residents believe weakens local oversight of land-use decisions. Protesters are considering legal challenges to the bill and continue regular demonstrations.
Residents in Bedington, Berkeley County, West Virginia, are actively protesting a proposed large-scale data center development near their rural community. Over a dozen individuals gathered for a recurring Saturday demonstration, expressing strong concerns about the project's potential impact on local water resources, electrical infrastructure, and the area's rural character, which includes nearby homes, farms, and private wells.
State Senate candidate Elizabeth Ferris, a protester, highlighted that the opposition draws from across the political spectrum, united by the belief that Bedington is an inappropriate site for such a facility. A major point of contention is House Bill 2014, state legislation passed earlier this year that opponents argue undermines local control over land-use decisions, effectively sidelining communities from critical development discussions.
Local resident Barrett Robinson, whose home is near the proposed site, emphasized the colossal water and electricity demands of large-scale data centers, stating that drinking water is more essential than information. Opponents fear the project will lead to the loss of agricultural land and fundamentally alter the community's identity. They continue to organize public outreach and protests, with some hoping for legal challenges to HB 2014 to halt or delay projects, while others focus on building public opposition.