WEST VIRGINIA LAYS OUT DATA CENTER PLAN

Governor Patrick Morrisey’s administration has unveiled a 20-year strategy for handling data centers in West Virginia.  The plan calls for developers to fund their own power and for half of the tax revenue to go toward cutting the state’s personal income tax.  Data centers are already being built or proposed in Berkeley, Putnam and Mason counties, with more projects planned in Mingo and Ohio counties.  Critics, including advocates for Tucker County and ratepayer groups, say the plan still lacks enforceable protections on water use and electric bills.  One group pointed to a proposed two-and-a-half-billion-dollar power plant that could raise costs for everyday customers.