The recent proposal for the Mid-Atlantic Resilient Link that expects to provide electrical power (mostly to power data centers) into Virginia from Pennsylvania crossing West Virginia poses several questions worth examining. Â
#1 Why would Virginia data center projects not seek power from within Virginia?
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Virginia has an ample base load power source from the coal fields of southwest Virginia and certainly has the capability of constructing power plants. Â
#2 Why would data center projects not seek to locate where there is ample power to accomplish their purpose? Â
Simplistically, it appears that the requirements for data centers are ample, reliable power and large parcels of property that are accessible.
Obviously, the state of Pennsylvania can fit these requirements, but I would submit that the state of West Virginia is even better positioned and hungry to do business. West Virginia has excess available power now. There is available coal and natural gas to supply additional power plants, also making West Virginia an obvious choice. Â
#3 Wouldn’t it be prudent for the power companies in West Virginia to be planning for construction of additional capacity to be ahead of the game in the data center race? Â
#4 Doesn’t the recent roll back of EPA regulations on burning coal, and the recent data center legislation passed into law in West Virginia reflect the aggressive interest in new data centers?
#5 Is there any state more welcoming to new business than West Virginia? Â
#6 Why isn’t West Virginia the first place for new data center projects to look?
The answers to these questions make it obvious that most people in West Virginia are opposed to the Mid-Atlantic Resilient Link.
The opposition isn’t due to the result, new data centers, rather that the destruction of property across our state isn’t prudent considering that data centers could locate next door to the source of power and require little or no destruction at all. Â
West Virginia offers everything needed for the data center business and has the ability to expand our power supply capacity almost immediately. We are ready to do business. Take a look. I think you will find we will make it easy for you to succeed. Â
Marty Gearheart
West Virginia House of Delegates
37th District, House Majority Whip
