Restoring Local Control Over Data Centers

HB 5611 amends and reenacts § 5B-2-21b of the West Virginia Code to clarify how high-impact data centers and microgrid district projects are managed—especially in counties with majority karst hydrogeology (areas with soluble rock where groundwater concerns are significant).

Sponsors: Joe Funkhouser, William Ridenour

ISSUES: Development, Pure Water

CWV Position: Supports

Status: Introduced on 2/16/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 2/16/26.