Mingo County Residents Protest TransGas Natural Gas Plants

Residents of Mingo County, West Virginia, are protesting the proposed construction of two natural gas power plants by TransGas. Planned for Wharncliffe and the Mingo-Logan county line, the facilities would operate as microgrids to power data centers using more than 100 methane-fueled engines with diesel backup.

Local opponents argue the plants will cause air and light pollution, excessive noise, and general health risks. During a public hearing, regulators from the West Virginia Division of Air Quality stated that permits will likely be approved provided that federal and state air-quality standards are met. The agency noted that public opposition and community impact do not constitute legal grounds for denying the permits.

State officials frame these projects as essential economic opportunities for Mingo and Tucker counties, both of which have some of the lowest GDP production in the state. To handle the potential financial impact, the Government of West Virginia previously passed HB 2014, which distributes data center tax revenues among state economic grants, local counties, and a personal income tax reduction fund.