(A News and Sentinel Op-Ed - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Some argue that data centers are incompatible with conservation. I understand that instinct. Large facilities, heavy use of energy, and deep community footprints can raise legitimate questions. But turning away from an entire segment of the modern economy will not protect West Virginia’s environment, nor will it keep our young people here or help us fund the conservation priorities we care about.

Instead, West Virginia can build a model that shows the country what responsible development looks like. We have the chance to align growth with stewardship. We can protect forests, streams, wildlife, and open space while strengthening local schools, supporting state and local services, upgrading infrastructure, and creating good-paying jobs that allow families to build their futures right here at home.

I have seen the consequences when economic opportunity bypasses a region: shuttered downtowns, out-migration, declining school enrollment, and strained local budgets. And we all know there are consequences if industry cuts corners and disregards the environment. Both paths are unacceptable.

As someone who has spent a lifetime hunting, fishing, hiking, and exploring the wild places of West Virginia, I believe deeply that our natural heritage is one of the state’s greatest assets. And as the owner of an engineering firm that operates in multiple states, I also recognize that economic growth does not have to come at the expense of environmental stewardship. In fact, a healthy environment and a healthy economy are not mutually exclusive goals; they are, in many ways, dependent on each other.

This truth is more important than ever as West Virginia considers opportunities tied to a rapidly evolving digital economy, including the responsible development of data centers. These facilities are already reshaping local economies around the country, bringing high-quality jobs, significant tax revenue, and long-term investment. With the right guardrails, planning, and commitments to sustainability, data centers can do the same for West Virginia while preserving the lands and waters we hold dear.

In many states, data centers have become transformative economic drivers. They generate hundreds of millions in capital investment, rely on large local workforces for construction and skilled trades, and provide ongoing technical and operational positions. The ripple effect for nearby businesses, from equipment suppliers to restaurants to professional service firms, is significant and long-lasting.

On top of that, data centers produce substantial tax revenue at the local and state levels. Property taxes, business taxes, and investment-based revenue streams help communities fund strong public schools, maintain and improve roads, and support services like EMS, fire departments, and law enforcement. These are the foundational investments that help families stay here, help businesses grow here, and help communities thrive.

West Virginia has an opportunity to participate in that growth, especially as companies increasingly seek rural and small-metro regions where they can access reliable, affordable power, strong infrastructure, and a workforce known for its grit and skill. With the right policies, we can welcome new investment while ensuring that our environment remains protected and our natural character preserved.

By embracing responsible data center development, we can welcome a new generation of investment while honoring the land that defines us. We can build a stronger economy and a healthier environment at the same time. We can show the country that conservation and economic competitiveness are not opposing forces, they are partners in the future we all want for West Virginia.

As an outdoorsman, a conservation advocate, and a business owner, I believe West Virginia is ready to get this right. Let’s move forward with high expectations, thoughtful planning, and a shared commitment to both prosperity and preservation.

Our state can lead. And our future depends on it.

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Woody Thrasher is the founder of Thrasher Engineering.