Putnam County Residents Push Back Against Google Data Center Plans

Google's proposed data center in Buffalo, West Virginia has drawn opposition from local residents who are concerned about its potential health impacts and economic benefits. A group called Putnam United presented a resolution to the county commission on Tuesday evening, urging them to consider more than just the financial implications of the project.

The resolution was presented by Jessica Lacy, a third-year law student at Penn State University Dickinson who is leading the effort. She emphasized that the goal is not to attack the commission or make their jobs harder, but rather to ensure that the people of Putnam County have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their community.

Resident Joseph DeGroff raised concerns about the health impacts and energy demand of the data center, while Jeanette Deniminico accused Flock cameras of being another example of why data centers are not beneficial to communities. Commissioner Andy Skidmore commended the residents for their approach but noted that House Bill 2014 has stripped local counties of their power to address such issues.

Skidmore encouraged the residents to take their concerns to the legislature in Charleston, where they may be able to have an impact.