WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) said Thursday she is encouraged by recent developments involving companies exploring data center projects in West Virginia, while emphasizing the need for early communication with local communities.
Speaking during a media call with West Virginia reporters, Capito said developers should engage with residents early in the process to address concerns and build trust.
Capito pointed to reports that some proposed data centers plan to generate their own power and contribute excess electricity to the grid, a move she said could ease initial concerns about potential strain on local energy resources.
She also referenced Google’s proposed data center in Putnam County, saying the company has committed to replenishing water drawn from the Ohio River and treating it before returning it.
The project has drawn concern from some local residents. During a Putnam County Commission meeting earlier in the week, residents raised questions about potential impacts on water quality, air pollution, increased truck traffic, light pollution and noise.
Capito said transparency and early engagement are critical in addressing such concerns, adding that community members should have a role in shaping outcomes.
“Early engagement, I think truth-telling is very important. I think you see wild accusations of what the downside could be on something like this and I think transparency is the word that needs to go to communities and I think community members should be heard,” Capito said. “I think they need to be heard early to remedy this situation and be part of the solution.”
While noting that data centers are not expected to create large numbers of jobs, Capito said they could generate significant tax revenue for local governments. She said those funds could be used to support infrastructure improvements, including schools, senior centers, roads and water systems.
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