We, the undersigned residents of Berkeley County, call for an immediate pause on the proposed $4 billion, 600-megawatt data center project announced by Governor Morrisey and to be developed by Penzance Management.
This project would be one of the largest industrial power users in state history, yet local residents have had little authority in the decision-making process.
We demand:
- Binding guarantees that local electric customers will not face rate increases to fund transmission upgrades or grid expansion.
- Independent environmental and water impact studies to ensure our aquifers, public water systems, and emergency reserves are protected.
- Restoration of local zoning authority so decisions affecting traffic, property values, emergency access, noise, and community character are not dictated solely from Charleston.
- Full transparency, including confirmation of a secured tenant before any long-term commitments are made.
- With only about 125 permanent jobs projected, the scale of land, power, and water use does not justify the risk to our community.
Berkeley County families should not be forced to subsidize speculative industrial expansion.
We call on state leaders to pause this project and protect our residents, resources, and right to local control.