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Justice: West Virginia can land AI data centers but must boost power capacity
Summary
Senator Jim Justice said West Virginia "welcomes" AI data centers but warned the state needs more power and grid upgrades, saying without action the state could soon have to "choose between homes and jobs."
Senator Jim Justice said West Virginia can attract AI data centers but must expand power capacity and modernize infrastructure to do so.
Asked about data centers such as "Stargate" and competition from Northern Virginia, Justice said the state would welcome the investment and that "the permitting will absolutely go with, with ease." He emphasized, however, that the key constraint is power: "we've gotta have more power."
Justice warned that if the state fails to upgrade its grid and infrastructure, "it's gonna be 1 of the 2, homes or jobs," and said that could become a pressing choice "a year and a half down the road." He framed cheap power as a central competitive advantage but said capacity and reliability must be addressed to realize data-center growth.
The host raised concerns about international competitive pressures and recent headlines about China; Justice responded by reinforcing West Virginia's pro-business pitch and the state's ability to welcome data centers if infrastructure needs are met.
The interview closed without commitments for specific projects or funding; Justice described the state's readiness to compete for facilities if it secures adequate power and grid improvements.
