WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – President Donald Trump pointed to West Virginia as an example of a state welcoming data center development during an interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes on Sunday evening, claiming residents are enthusiastic about the industry’s expansion.
“Look at West Virginia. They’re going wild. They love it. They say, ‘Come on in,’” Trump said.
The comments came during a broader discussion about artificial intelligence and the growing demand for data centers, which house the computer systems needed to support AI technology and other digital services.
Trump has promoted the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure as an economic development opportunity, citing the potential for investment, construction activity and new jobs.
However, his characterization of West Virginians’ attitudes toward data centers does not necessarily reflect the views of all residents. The development of large-scale data centers raises questions about electricity demand, utility costs, land use and the long-term economic benefits for surrounding communities.
West Virginia has taken steps to attract data center investment. In 2025, Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed House Bill 2014, establishing a program to encourage large data centers and dedicated electricity generation facilities to locate in the state.
The legislation provides a framework for certified microgrids, which can generate electricity for data centers without relying entirely on traditional utility service. It also limits the authority of local governments to regulate qualifying developments.
Morrisey has promoted the industry as an opportunity to diversify West Virginia’s economy. In April 2026, he announced approximately $4 billion in private investment associated with data center development.
Despite that support from state leaders, proposed developments have encountered opposition in several communities.
Residents in Tucker, Mingo, Logan and Mason counties have publicly raised concerns about potential environmental impacts, water consumption, noise, electricity costs and the loss of local control over development decisions.
In February, residents from several of those counties gathered at the State Capitol to urge lawmakers to strengthen protections for communities affected by proposed facilities.
Opposition has also emerged in southern West Virginia. In Mingo County, residents near a proposed development in the Wharncliffe area have questioned the project’s potential effects on their community. Residents in Monroe County have similarly expressed concerns about the possibility of a data center being developed there.
At the same time, supporters argue that the projects could bring substantial private investment, additional tax revenue, construction employment and new opportunities for areas seeking economic development.
The debate has also extended to how the facilities would obtain electricity.
During Sunday’s interview, Trump said his administration is requiring new data centers to generate their own power rather than placing additional demands on the existing electrical grid.
“And by the way, we don’t either because I’m letting I’m demanding that they build their own electric plant. Every one of those centers that goes up now under me is building their own electric. And they’re giving the excess electric right now. They’re giving it into the old grid that we had.”
The president’s statement describes his administration’s approach, but it does not establish that every new data center has constructed its own power plant or is supplying excess electricity to the grid.
West Virginia’s microgrid program allows electricity generated within certified districts to be used by facilities or delivered to the wholesale electricity market. That does not mean every proposed development will necessarily provide surplus electricity to the broader grid.
Questions about who will pay for electricity infrastructure remain part of the discussion. The West Virginia Public Service Commission has been developing rules addressing electricity service for data centers, including how utilities should handle the demands of large facilities.
Trump’s comments highlight the contrast between West Virginia’s efforts to attract the industry and the concerns expressed by some residents in communities where developments are proposed.
While state officials continue promoting data centers as a source of investment and economic growth, public reaction across West Virginia remains mixed, with support for potential economic benefits alongside organized opposition to particular projects and concerns about their long-term impacts.
