POINT PLEASANT, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Governor Patrick Morrisey signed two bills into law on Wednesday that he says will position West Virginia as a national leader in data center development.
The legislation—House Bill 2014, known as the Power Generation and Consumption Act, and House Bill 2002, which creates a one-stop shop permitting process—was introduced as part of the governor’s broader economic agenda.
“In order for West Virginia to reach its potential, we must continue to focus on economic development and utilizing our many natural resources,” said Governor Morrisey.
“The Power Generation and Consumption Act will make West Virginia the most attractive state in the country for data centers and help America better compete with China in the technology arms race of the future. Combined with the one-stop shop permitting bill, companies will now be able to quickly build, expand, and increase job creation right here in West Virginia.”
The signing took place in Point Pleasant near the planned site of the Monarch AI Data Center Campus, a 2,000-acre project being developed by Fidelis.
State officials say the new laws are designed to attract and support developments like the Monarch campus, which are expected to bring jobs and economic activity to the region.
House Bill 2014 establishes a certified microgrid program in the state, aimed at expanding energy infrastructure using coal and natural gas.
It also includes measures to reinvest state revenue into economic development initiatives, income tax reduction, and grid stabilization.
House Bill 2002 introduces the One-Stop Shop Permitting Program, which includes the creation of a centralized Permitting Dashboard.
The new system is intended to streamline the process of obtaining and renewing business permits in the state.
