West Virginia lawmakers eliminated local authority to regulate data centers and similar projects

Source: Associated Press

West Virginia lawmakers eliminated local authority to regulate data centers and similar projects

By SARAH ELBESHBISHI/Mountain State Spotlight
Updated 4:38 PM EDT, August 4, 2025

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The community raced to fill in details about the project. They looked to confirm their suspicions that the project was intended to power a data center. Residents reached out to their local, county and state officials.

And as the news reached the broader public, worries also swirled among those who routinely visit Davis and Thomas for their scenic vistas, sprawling trails and dark skies.

But by the time the community had mobilized to get answers, West Virginia lawmakers in Charleston had stripped what little power they had over such a project. Counties lost potential tax revenue. Localities lost oversight. And residents lost a say.

“All of it just dovetailed so neatly and closely, it seems suspicious,” Moe said.

Morrisey and state lawmakers pitch West Virginia as data center haven

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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-charleston-data-management-and-storage-legislation-general-news-b33c051439bd3694ee3f2b04981f4555