Petition for Transparency and Community Protections Regarding the Proposed Data Center Development in the Ghent / Whitby Mountain Area of Raleigh County, West Virginia

We, the undersigned residents of Raleigh County and surrounding communities, respectfully request transparency and protective measures regarding the proposed data center development reportedly planned for the Ghent / Whitby Mountain region.

While we understand that economic development can benefit our state, projects of this size must be approached with full transparency and with protections in place for the citizens, land, and resources of our community.

Our concerns include:

1. Transparency and Public Disclosure

   Residents deserve clear information about any proposed data center project, including the company involved, the scope of development, environmental impacts, and infrastructure requirements.

2. Environmental Protections

   The Whitby Mountain and surrounding areas contain vital watersheds, creeks, and groundwater sources that serve nearby communities. We request independent environmental review and safeguards to protect local water quality and ecosystems.

3. Utility and Infrastructure Impact

   Residents should not bear increased electricity, water, or infrastructure costs resulting from large industrial developments. We ask for clear guarantees that utility rates and community infrastructure will not be negatively affected.

4. Fair Tax Contribution

   If a large development moves forward, it should contribute fairly to the communities it affects, including local schools, emergency services, and public infrastructure.

5. Community Input

   Residents who live in the affected areas should have meaningful opportunities to ask questions, review project details, and provide input before major decisions are finalized.

We respectfully ask our state legislators, local officials, and regulatory agencies to ensure that the voices of Raleigh County residents are heard and that appropriate protections are put in place before any large-scale data center development proceeds.

Because of the scale and potential long-term impact of this proposed development, we request that state and local officials require:

• At least one publicly announced town hall meeting where project representatives, state agencies, and elected officials answer questions from residents.

• Public release of project plans and environmental information before any construction begins, including details about water use, power generation, emissions, noise levels, and land disturbance.

• An opportunity for residents and local governments to provide input and request modifications or protections if the project moves forward.

Major developments that affect thousands of residents should not proceed without the community having a meaningful opportunity to understand the project and voice concerns.

Name: Kara James 

Address / Community: Raleigh County WV 

Signature: Kara E James

Date: 03/04/26

The people who live here deserve to be informed and to have a voice in decisions that affect our land, water, infrastructure, and future.