Story perspectives

West Virginia Swaps Coal for Controversial Data Centers

12/28/2025

Summary

Story summary

West Virginia is replacing coal with data centers and bitcoin mines, impacting local resources.
They operate under weak regulations and drain water and power, providing minimal jobs.
The Power Generation and Consumption Act facilitates this trend by stripping zoning and noise controls.
Residents have unanswered questions about environmental impacts and job longevity, while history suggests centers may leave when profits drop.
The process is fast-tracked and often bypasses public scrutiny.

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Story summary

West Virginia is replacing coal with data centers and bitcoin mines, impacting local resources.
They operate under weak regulations and drain water and power, providing minimal jobs.
The Power Generation and Consumption Act facilitates this trend by stripping zoning and noise controls.
Residents have unanswered questions about environmental impacts and job longevity, while history suggests centers may leave when profits drop.
The process is fast-tracked and often bypasses public scrutiny.