Governor Patrick Morrisey.
During a recent event August 4th in Oceana, WV as part of Governor Patrick Morrisey’s Listening Tour across the State, the subject of Data Centers was raised by a member of the public in regards to water usage and quality of life. The Governor addressed not only the issue of Data Centers, but Tucker County, in particular.
“Let me tell you, Tucker County was the wrong way,” Governor Morrisey said.
The Governor’s comments were in regards to how Fundamental Data, the company behind the controversial Ridgeline Power Plant Project that is slated to fuel proposed future Data Center development in Tucker County, according to the company, has handled its interaction with the public. The Governor said the State can benefit greatly from high paying jobs and investments from Data Center projects, but community engagement is key.
“We’re going to be releasing some additional principles related to Data Centers to let people know this has got to be done the right way and it has to be done the right way. But I saw a lot of other states do it the wrong way. Let me tell you, Tucker County was the wrong way. I’m not afraid to tell you that these guys got out in front and they didn’t do it the right way. They didn’t engage the community. I want to make sure that happens, right. Because that’s what people deserve and that’s what we’re focusing on. So, I think you’re exactly right to focus on it and watch.” – Governor Patrick Morrisey
The Governor went on to say that over the next 30 days, he expected more information to be released on the State’s expectations of Data Center project developer–community relations.
“Take a look, weigh in and let us know what you think,” the Governor said. “Sound good?”
The Governor began his comments by stating that prior to his taking office, there were no regulations in the State on Data Centers. He stated that, “we have systems in place to make sure there’s noise mitigation and we know that there are a lot of closed loop water systems that are being developed right now with some of this technology.”
“People, you know, are attacking various laws, but we went from basically nothing on the state level to then some important standards to make sure that people’s livelihoods are protected and have to protect our air,” the Governor said.
The Governor said that West Virginia is emphasizing newer technologies because West Virginia has never had a big Data Center before and “what West Virginia has right now is a chance to get it right.”
“And we have that opportunity under 2014, that law that passed and those closed loop systems for water we think could be very beneficial,” the Governor said.
House Bill 2014 has come under attack since its passage for its stripping of local control and what many see as an unfair split of tax revenue from microgrid projects, with 70 percent of tax revenue being distributed to the state and only 30 percent retained within the local municipality.
House Bill 2014 has come under attack since its passage for its stripping of local control and what many see as an unfair split of tax revenue from microgrid projects, with 70 percent of tax revenue being distributed to the state and only 30 percent retained within the local municipality.
Many in Tucker County have been openly vocal in their opposition to the measure, including community action groups, civic leaders and government officials, with many calling leaders and attending meetings in Charleston since the bill’s passage.
