Charleston Will Propose Data Center Regulation Ordinance
Councilman Emmett Pepper is set to introduce new rules for local data center investments on October 12, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Data Centers
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Councilman Emmett Pepper will present a new ordinance to regulate data center development in Charleston, West Virginia, on October 12, 2026. The proposed measure aims to ensure facilities operate responsibly and provide tangible benefits to the local community.
Why it matters
The ordinance seeks to address rising electricity costs for consumers that are often associated with high-consumption data center operations. By establishing specific guardrails, officials hope to balance infrastructure growth with resident quality of life.
The ordinance categorizes facilities into three tiers, with micro data centers defined by a power consumption range of 1-to-5 megawatts. Larger facilities exceeding 90 megawatts fall under state preemption according to House Bill 2014.
The players
Emmett Pepper
He is a Charleston councilman leading the push for local data center regulation.
Putnam County Commission
This regional body has already implemented a resolution requiring data center compliance with local rules.
The details
The proposal mandates a structured process for all data center projects, requiring public comment periods followed by a formal council vote. It introduces specific requirements for noise thresholds and minimum distance setbacks from schools, churches, and residences.
Timeline
Legislators passed House Bill 2014 in 2025.
Councilman Emmett Pepper will present the ordinance on October 12, 2026.
Roadmap
The move reflects a growing tension between local zoning authorities and state-level deregulation efforts regarding critical infrastructure. It aims to create a competitive advantage for Charleston by fostering a more predictable regulatory environment for smaller-scale tech investments.
Residents in the area may see more stringent protections regarding noise and proximity to essential community spaces like schools and churches. The ordinance also aims to stabilize electricity costs for local consumers by ensuring data center operations are managed effectively.
The takeaway
This ordinance serves as a model for how municipalities can exert influence over tech infrastructure despite state-level preemption laws. Residents should prepare to engage in the upcoming public comment sessions to ensure their specific concerns are addressed in the final policy.
Further reading
Learn more about the infrastructure trends impacting the region at the Data Centers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WV MetroNews.
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