Commission hears public concern over HB2014 and notes data center entrance/intersection issues

At the start of the May 18 meeting, Brooke Gibson, a Berkeley County resident, raised concerns about HB2014 and local oversight of data centers. Gibson said she lives about three miles from the proposed Bedington data center site and thanked Commissioner John Hardy for seeking clarification from the state on HB2014. She said the community has seen "misinformation, speculation and conspiracy theories" and urged officials to help restore trust. She said local counsel (Steve New) told her he is willing to take legal action on behalf of residents if HB2014 cannot be amended or appealed to restore local rights and include West Virginia data centers under public-records access.