A proposed data center and gas-fired power plant in scenic Tucker County, West Virginia, has sparked intense local opposition from a newly formed community group, Tucker United.
State legislation, House Bill 2014 (HB 2014), is a central driver of the conflict, as it fast-tracks data center development, overrides local zoning, and dictates a controversial 70/30 tax revenue split favoring the state.
The conflict highlights a pattern of tech companies using opaque shell corporations (Fundamental Data, LLC) to push projects through with minimal local input, which in turn galvanizes diverse, cross-partisan community coalitions.
The local economy, heavily reliant on outdoor recreation and tourism, is seen as fundamentally incompatible with the proposed industrial development, creating an existential fight over the region's future.
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Concerns Raised
Loss of local control over zoning and tax revenue due to HB 2014.
Environmental degradation from a new gas-fired power plant in a scenic, tourism-dependent area.
The threat to the local economy, which is based on outdoor recreation, art, and small businesses.
The secretive nature of the developer, suspected to be a shell company for a major tech corporation.
Opportunities Identified
The formation of a powerful, cross-partisan local coalition (Tucker United) to advocate for community interests.
Increased statewide awareness and organizing against the negative impacts of unchecked data center development.
The potential to challenge and amend state legislation that favors corporations over local communities.