West Virginia Republican Gov. Patrick Morrisey is trying to head off public opposition to hyperscale data centers in his state by proposing a 20-year development framework that he hopes will revitalize West Virginia's economy while addressing residents' concerns.
Earlier this month, Morrisey unveiled the West Virginia Responsible Data Center Development Plan. The plan, built around seven core principles, sensibly holds data center developers and utilities responsible for covering "electrical infrastructure upgrades and energy capacity needs." It also requires them to "build, bring, or procure sufficient power resources" needed for their projects. To mitigate concerns over water use, West Virginia will "actively recruit projects committed to water-efficient designs" and require them to adhere to the state's environmental laws governing water resources. (Contrary to popular belief, data center water use is not a pressing issue.)
