HB 4948
To create a buffer zone between a data center and residence, school or house of worship
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes a 500-foot buffer zone between data centers and residential areas, schools, or places of worship in West Virginia. The bill’s rationale centers on national security concerns related to data storage and the potential vulnerability of concentrated data centers. It also highlights West Virginia’s attractiveness as a location for data centers due to its strategic location and resources. The bill creates a program to encourage data center development and requires notification to the state when a data center meets certain criteria.
Key provisions
- Establishes a 500-foot buffer zone between data centers and residences, schools, or houses of worship.
- Creates the High Impact Data Center Program within the Division of Economic Development.
- Requires data centers to notify the Division of Economic Development if they meet the criteria for a ‘high impact data center.’
- Defines ‘high impact data center’ based on power consumption and other factors.
- The Secretary of Commerce will certify high impact data centers.
- Confidential business information related to data centers is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act.
- Maintains a list of certified data centers, removing identifying information.
- Recognizes West Virginia’s advantages for data center development.
Who is affected
- Data center developers
- Residents
- School districts
- Religious organizations
- The Division of Economic Development
Notable changes
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours