At the Jefferson County Fair in West Virginia, conversations among residents and political candidates have shifted from economic anxieties to concerns surrounding the proliferation of data centers. Attendees at the long-standing fair expressed worries about the impact of these facilities on water resources, local control, and the overall pace of development.
Roy, a local cattle farmer, articulated a sentiment echoed by many, stating that data centers, power lines, and associated development pose a threat to their way of life and the land. This concern extends to political hopefuls; Democratic candidates for the House of Delegates, Jenny Thacker and Marta Beck, both voiced reservations about the current implementation of data center projects.
Thacker highlighted the critical need to protect groundwater, suggesting legislation that permits surface water use but restricts reliance on well water. Beck pointed to a perceived erosion of local authority, noting that state-level decisions are impacting municipal control over development.
Tamara Thompson, vice president of the local group We The People of Jefferson County, reported hearing significant opposition to data centers from residents, citing noise pollution as a specific complaint, though her own observations at the fair did not confirm this issue. Another fairgoer, a retired teacher named Sarah, summarized the prevailing attitude: "I guess we need ‘em, but nobody wants ‘em."
The issue of growth, fueled in part by data center development and housing construction, was a central theme. Volunteers for Mickey Reagan, a candidate for Jefferson County Commissioner, indicated that voters are expressing concern about excessive growth overwhelming the county's infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and water systems.
Across party lines, a common thread emerged: a desire for local control and a distrust of large technology companies. This sentiment suggests that while the region is not perceived to be in an economic crisis, residents are grappling with how to manage rapid expansion and its associated challenges responsibly.