The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Putnam County
Strongly Pro-Data Center Policies
West Virginia protects certified, qualifying data centers—generally those meeting a 90-megawatt threshold—from many local zoning and permitting rules, while offering state development help. They remain subject to state building codes, taxes, and applicable fees.
Rating and summary from West Virginia statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Putnam County.
Specific to Putnam County only.
failed · County measureThe Putnam County Commission adopted a non-binding policy resolution on September 29, 2026.Putnam County Commission Resolution on Hyperscale Data Centers (2026)
What this means
The resolution recommends that developers pay for utility upgrades and water studies and use noise and lighting safeguards, but it does not create binding requirements. A delegate said it does not have the force of law, so it is unlikely to meaningfully change data center construction or operation.
People behind it
- Putnam County Commission
Adopts the resolution.
- Andy Skidmore
Commission president; reads the resolution at the adoption meeting.
- Tim Hanna
County manager; assists in drafting the resolution.
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- Putnam United
Residents' group whose proposal prompts the county resolution.
- Kathie Hess-Crouse
State delegate; comments on the resolution's non-binding character.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements4
Non-binding expectation that developers fund 100% of water, sewer and power upgrades without shifting costs to residents. Utility cost responsibility.
Calls for developer-funded water-feasibility studies and DEP/NPDES compliance. Water protection expectations.
Calls for sound-dampening enclosures, acoustic baffles, shielded dark-sky lighting and landscape buffers. Nuisance mitigation expectations.
Seeks community input, including on tax-revenue allocation; these are policy expectations, not independently enforceable requirements. Community input.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Expresses support for capturing the economic benefits of hyperscale data center development while protecting public resources. County's stated objective.
Sources
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