On Data Centers

Across the country, concerns about large AI data centers are growing. In West Virginia, Governor Morrisey continues to tout such centers as a bonanza for our state.

Unfortunately, in 2025, House Bill 2014 made it easier for data centers to come into West Virginia in secret. While there are legitimate concerns about electricity, water use, rising local costs, noise generated by these facilities, and the number of jobs that will be created, West Virginians will probably never know the truth about these impacts until it is too late.

While the Governor brags about the large number of permanent jobs and the steps developers have pledged to take to address concerns, House Bill 2014 has made those promises something which can easily be broken without real consequences. Around the country, existing data centers and their impacts on local communities tell us we are right to be skeptical.  

Research from Brookings shows that while data centers may create a temporary boom in construction jobs, their existence does not necessarily increase the overall jobs in the state once construction is completed. Their research also indicates that wages do not increase, but median home prices rise by 2%-5%.

The prime philosophy of the Libertarian Party is freedom with responsibility, and that the freedoms of one stop when they impair the freedom of another. Data centers should be able to develop and grow if they don’t take away freedom or rights from others. Today, that is not the case.  In such cases, politicians must step in and reach an equitable deal.

Over our history in West Virginia, out-of-state interests have repeatedly promised all the “wonderful things” they will do for our state and our people, only to be left disappointed again and again.

The time is now to get a grip on data center development, and the best place for the oversight of these giants is at the local level, not in Charleston.

Stephen Thomas Smith