This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish a minimum 500-foot buffer zone between the construction or establishment of data centers and nearby residences, schools, or houses of worship. The legislation recognizes the growing importance of data centers in the economy and national security, emphasizing the need for West Virginia to attract such facilities due to its strategic advantages, including proximity to major population centers and abundant energy resources.

In addition to the buffer zone provision, the bill creates the High Impact Data Center Program, which will be administered by the Division of Economic Development. This program aims to encourage the development and expansion of high-impact data centers in the state. The bill also outlines requirements for data centers to notify the Division when they meet the criteria for high-impact status, and it establishes a certification process for these centers. Furthermore, it ensures that any confidential business information provided by data centers is protected from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, while maintaining a list of certified centers for governmental oversight.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5B-2-21