Dear friends of the Highlands,
As I sit down to write this article, my head is whirling, and my thoughts are going in many directions. I have been in the midst of coming up with what to say to convince the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) commissioners to deny the Fundamental Data air quality control permit. The hearing, which took place on June 30, was packed with many speakers. The permit is for a microgrid powered by natural gas and diesel, sited just above the landfill in Davis. It is within a mile of the school, library, and many residences.
As written, the permit does not require any air quality controls or emissions analysis. The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy has opposed this project since it came to light at the end of March.
The permit is heavily redacted, so much information is not available. The developer did not state the end use of the microgrid in the permit, but was quoted in the Wall Street Journal as saying it would be used to power a very large farm of data centers—reportedly 10,000 acres. We all think this is an incompatible use of land in Tucker County and would pose many health risks for residents. If you agree, please support us by donating to a fund that is being used to hire air quality specialists and other needed support. You can go to our website and donate to this cause.
In the area of public lands, we strongly oppose the confusing array of proposals in the United States Senate that propose the sale of public lands. The original language for the Big “Beautiful” Bill mandated the sale of millions of acres in western states under the guise of promoting affordable housing. After much pushback, the language was amended but still mandated the sale of public lands.
The Conservancy is totally opposed to any public land being sold. The land belongs to the American people. Any sale of any public lands would set a precedent that could be used in West Virginia. Imagine the Monongahela National Forest becoming a playground for those who could afford to purchase the land—with no public access for hiking, fishing, or hunting.
On a positive note, two motions that were argued by WVHC and other environmental groups were successful. A federal judge in Delaware ruled Tuesday in favor of two motions filed by conservation groups, allowing key legal and administrative actions to move forward to protect portions of the Monongahela National Forest from mining activities by South Fork Coal Company, despite the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. South Fork Coal Company filed for bankruptcy in February 2025. Congratulations to our Board member who argued the motions.
Our outings program is starting in August—look for information on what and where! It is not too early to put Fall Review on your calendar. It will be held on the weekend of Oct. 31 at Blackwater Falls State Park. There will be presentations on the effects of deregulation, updates on current issues, citizen advocacy, and more, with outdoor activities included. There may even be a Halloween party!
See you in the Highlands,
Marilyn Shoenfeld
President
West Virginia Highlands Conservancy