Why It Matters
West Virginia lawmakers and Governor Patrick Morrisey removed local control over data center projects just as residents in multiple communities learned of plans to build large facilities near their homes. The new law eliminates municipal authority to regulate or reject these developments, turning data center approval into a state-level issue ahead of upcoming elections.
What Happened
Residents in Wharncliffe learned that New York developers are proposing a data center at the site of a former coal mine near Ben Creek. The facility would include 117 turbine engines and tens of thousands of gallons of diesel fuel. The details became public after state lawmakers passed legislation stripping local governments of authority over data center projects.
Sue Cantrell, who has lived in the area for 49 years, and other residents say they had no meaningful input before state officials removed their ability to influence the project. Candaice Sowers, an EMS worker in Wharncliffe, said water supply concerns are driving opposition. The area already experiences frequent water outages and boil water advisories.
Opposition is not limited to Wharncliffe. Residents in Tucker County filed lawsuits after learning about a proposed facility through a legal advertisement. In Berkeley County, citizens confronted local officials following the governor’s announcement of a project during the legislative session.
By The Numbers
At least five data center projects have been announced across West Virginia. The Wharncliffe proposal includes 117 turbine engines and storage for tens of thousands of gallons of diesel fuel. Sue Cantrell has lived in the affected area for 49 years. Four other West Virginia communities are raising organized opposition to data center projects.
Zoom Out
Data center development has accelerated nationwide as demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure grows. States compete to attract these projects with tax incentives and regulatory accommodations. West Virginia’s approach of preempting local zoning authority mirrors strategies in other states seeking to streamline approval processes, though it has generated pushback in rural communities concerned about infrastructure capacity and environmental impact.
What’s Next
Residents in affected communities say data center policy will influence their voting decisions in upcoming elections. Sowers said candidates who support the projects face voter opposition in Wharncliffe. Legal challenges filed by Tucker County residents will proceed through the courts. The governor and state officials have not indicated any plans to restore local authority over data center permitting.