By Olivia Miller, West Virginia Highlands Conservancy
Since the last issue of The Highlands Voice, things have moved quickly in the battle against the controversial data center and gas-fired power plant proposed by Fundamental Data in Tucker County. Here’s the latest.
On June 19, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) opened Fundamental Data’s heavily redacted air quality permit for public comment. The permit seeks to allow construction of a massive 785-megawatt natural gas plant with diesel backup near the towns of Thomas and Davis. This plant would power what the company hopes will become one of the largest data center complexes in the world, sprawling across thousands of acres of pristine highlands.
This proposal has raised widespread alarm. On June 12, the Conservancy, alongside Tucker United and Friends of Blackwater, filed a formal appeal challenging WVDEP’s approval of Fundamental Data’s confidentiality claims. Initially, the WVDEP questioned the company’s claims of “trade secrets,” but quickly reversed its stance, allowing critical details to remain hidden from public scrutiny.
A technical review conducted by a member of Tucker United raised serious concerns about Fundamental Data’s claim that the plant could operate under a “synthetic minor” permit. This status would require the plant to remain below specific pollution thresholds—but according to the analysis, such operational constraints appear impossible. Simply put, it’s unlikely the facility can consistently meet minor-source emission levels while supplying continuous, reliable power to a large-scale data center.
On June 30, WVDEP hosted an in-person public meeting at Canaan Valley Resort, drawing more than 400 community members and lasting six hours, well into the night—an unprecedented turnout. Residents packed the hall, voicing concerns about air quality, water supplies, tourism impacts, public health, and quality of life. Another virtual public hearing is scheduled for July 17 from 6 to 8 p.m., with written comments due by July 18.
In Tucker County, opposition to the project is clear and growing. Yard signs reading “No Data Center Complex in Tucker County” have sprung up county-wide. Tucker United has taken the message directly to local leaders, urging Davis, Thomas, and Parsons town councils to formally oppose the data center complex. So far, Davis has officially adopted a resolution opposing the project, with other towns actively considering similar actions.
The Conservancy, standing with a broad coalition including Tucker United, Friends of Blackwater, Sierra Club, and Appalachian Mountain Advocates, has launched a fundraising effort to support the ongoing fight. As of this writing, we’ve raised $12,531 toward our initial goal of $50,000. These funds will directly support legal reviews, expert analysis, public outreach, and community mobilization efforts.
The idea of building a fossil fuel power plant solely to serve energy-hungry data centers—particularly during a global climate crisis—is not just irresponsible; it’s reckless. Tucker County, known for its clean air, pristine waterways, and outdoor recreation economy, deserves better than trading natural beauty and community health for industrial-scale pollution and uncertain economic benefits.
We encourage everyone who values the integrity of our Highlands to speak up now, submit comments to WVDEP, and help us ensure that transparency and environmental responsibility prevail. The stakes couldn’t be higher, but our resolve has never been stronger.