We write to you to respectfully request two modest but essential changes to House Bill 2014. As currently written, the bill would limit local governments' ability to regulate certified microgrid districts and high impact data centers through zoning, and it would redirect the vast majority of property tax revenues generated by these facilities away from the localities that host them. Both of these issues raise concerns for rural counties like ours in the Potomac Highlands and Eastern Panhandle regions.

We fully support the broader goals of HB 2014 and recognize the value that cutting-edge technologies like microgrids and data centers can bring to West Virginia’s economy. Our concern is not with their presence—but with how and where they are introduced. Under §5B-2- 21b of the bill, local zoning authority over these large-scale energy and data projects is preempted, removing the ability of counties and municipalities to designate where such facilities can be sited. For counties like Hampshire, where quality of life is closely tied to our rural identity, this represents a significant loss of local voice.

Importantly, the authority to regulate is not the authority to prohibit. We ask that counties retain the ability to guide development through reasonable land use planning. This will allow us to protect our communities from incompatible siting—such as data centers placed near schools, farms, or residential neighborhoods—while still welcoming responsible investment. Similar conflicts have emerged in Northern Virginia and Frederick County, Maryland, where local governments and residents have struggled to address infrastructure strain, noise, land value impacts, and substantial water usage without clear planning tools.

In addition, we respectfully request that a portion of the property tax revenues generated by these facilities identified as the increment remain in the communities where they are located. As it stands, §11-6N-4 of HB 2014 redirects a substantial proportion of ad valorem property taxes collected (100% representing the tax increment as defined by the bill), to six State-managed funds (accounting for the allocations counties and municipalities used to calculate the increment). Although this revenue could prove essential to offset the potential costs and burdens these facilities may impose—such as increased demand on water infrastructure, emergency services, and road maintenance, we understand the desire for the State to use the anticipated growth from this initiative to seed future economic development within the State.

We would propose that in lieu of a 100% increment allocation to the State, 40% be designated for the local community (perhaps in the form of a dedicated school improvement fund). In addition to helping the local community retain the benefits of the projects they host, we anticipate that this could serve as an incentive for communities to work to attract these facilities, perhaps leading to more widespread success of the initiative across the State.

We believe these two adjustments—(1) preserving local zoning authority and (2) allowing increased local retention of new property tax revenue—would make HB 2014 not only more balanced but also more sustainable in its implementation across diverse parts of our state. These changes would not hinder economic growth; rather, they would help ensure that growth occurs in a way that respects and benefits the communities where it happens.

Thank you for your service to our state and for your attention to this request.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

[Representative’s Name]
[Office Address]
[City, State, ZIP]

Or, when writing to WV lawmakers:

The Honorable (member’s name)
West Virginia Senate/House of Delegates
Room ____ , Building 1
State Capitol Complex
Charleston, WV 25305

Subject: Opposition to Proposed Industrial Wind Turbine Project in Capon Springs, WV

Dear [Representative’s Name],

I am writing as a concerned resident of [Town or County Name] regarding the proposed industrial wind turbine project slated for Capon Springs, West Virginia.  I believe this project is poorly suited for our small, rural town and poses significant risks to our environment, economy, and quality of life.  

The proposed turbines, 700 feet tall, will disrupt local wildlife, threaten the clean spring water, and damage fragile ecosystems. These wind turbines will lower our property values, ruin our peaceful enjoyment of our homes, and will have major impacts on local wildlife and environmental quality.  To make matters worse, it’s a foreign-owned company that will be making massive profits off of federal tax credits by imposing this injustice on us.  Worse still, similar problems are playing out with industrial wind and solar facilities and other communities in our State.  This is unfair and wrong.   

This project threatens to change the character of our town forever. [Add a personal anecdote here, such as how the project will affect your family, business, or community.]

Therefore, we ask you to please do the following:

1. Oppose any efforts in the West Virginia Legislature to override any local controls over industrial wind and solar facilities;

2. Sponsor and support legislation that will strengthen County and Municipal controls over these facilities and

3. Sponsor and support legislation that would place a moratorium or ban on these facilities in West Virginia. 

Furthermore, I urge you to oppose this development and advocate for a more thoughtful approach to renewable energy that respects the unique character of rural communities like ours. Please prioritize local voices in this matter and work with us to find a solution that benefits everyone.  I do not want our children to inherit a landscape that is spoiled by these massive industrial wind and solar facilities.  We hope you feel the same and will take action to prevent this. 

Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this issue.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Opening:
Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a resident of [Town Name] in [County Name]. I’m calling to voice my opposition to the proposed industrial wind turbine project in Capon Springs, WV. Is [Representative’s Name] available?

If speaking with staff:
I’d like to leave a message for [Representative’s Name].

Key Points to Address:

• This project poses a serious threat to our community. The turbines, which are twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty, would disrupt local wildlife, cause noise and health concerns, and lower property values.

• Our town is a rural community that depends on its natural beauty and tranquility. An industrial project of this scale is entirely out of place.

• I urge [Representative’s Name] to oppose this project and work to protect the unique character of our town.

Personalize Your Message:
For example: “My family has lived in Capon Springs for [X years], and we moved here because of the peace and connection to nature. This project would destroy the qualities that make our town special.”

Closing:
Thank you for taking the time to listen to my concerns. Please let me know what steps [Representative’s Name] will take to address this issue. I’m happy to provide more information if needed.