West Virginia Highlands Conservancy

South Fork Coal Company was a no-show at violation hearing South Fork Coal Company missed a hearing about its numerous permit violations.

South Fork Coal Company failed to attend the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s hearing to address an array of violations perpetrated by the company. Appalachian Voices reports that the company itself requested the hearing in 2025.

Read more from Appalachian Voices ↪️

🌲🪓 Join the Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards for Crosscut Sawyer Training March 14–15 at Seneca Rocks! Earn Forest Service certification & help clear trails. CPR/First Aid required (class 3/13).

Limited space — join the DSWS first, then register for crosscut training: https://bit.ly/4bdbx91

E-Day 2026 at the West Virginia State Capitol was a powerful day of advocacy for clean air, clean water and environmental justice across the Mountain State. We can’t wait to be back again next year! ✨

Join the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy on March 21 at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge for a screening honoring Helen McGinnis and Dolly Sods Wilderness.

🎥 6 p.m. | Free (donations encouraged)
💬 Q&A with McGinnis
🔗 Register below
https://www.wvhighlands.org/2026/02/13/dolly-sods/

Trump Gives Handout to Three West Virginia Coal Plants, Worsening Local Air Quality and Raising Bills CHARLESTON, W.Va. - On the heels of receiving an inaugural “Undisputed Champion of Coal” award from an industry-backed pro-coal group, President Trump has announced $175 million in taxpayer-funded handouts to seven coal plants, including Appalachian Power’s Amos and Mountaineer plants and Monongahela Power’s Fort Martin.

Three West Virginia coal plants receive handouts from the Trump administration.

In the wake of the President being dubbed “The Undisputed King of Coal”, the Trump administration announced $175 million to prop up seven coal plants, including three in West Virginia.
Read more from the Sierra Club ⤵️

OP-ED: West Virginia Legislature Denies Water Quantity Amendment to Data Center Rule During last year’s Legislative Session, the West Virginia Legislature passed House Bill 2014 which laid the framework for data centers to be developed across the state. Initially, this bill seemed

The West Virginia Department of Commerce is at it again. 

An amendment to HB 4983 was proposed last week in the House of Delegates Energy Committee that would add transparency on data centers water consumption and effects. The DOC opposed the amendment and it died in committee 12-8.

Read more ⤵️

The February edition of The Highlands Voice is out now. This issue covers WV legislative updates on microgrids & data centers, Clean Water Act enforcement, Corridor H, EPA oversight, and Candy Darter restoration — plus board updates and reflections from our President.

Read the full issue below ⬇️

WV leaders double down on hiding project information as they ramp up data center push West Virginia’s decision-makers are further rolling out a welcome mat for data center developers. But they’re keeping confidential to West Virginians what developers are peering inside the state’s door – and what environmental baggage they might bring with them. A panel of West Virginia lawmakers on Feb. 4, 2026 advanced a rule that would keep basic information about proposed “High Impact” data center projects confidential and hidden from public view, casting aside transparency concerns from West Virginians who fear they’ll have adverse financial and environmental impacts. And on Feb. 5,...

West Virginia lawmakers want data centers, but don’t want their constituents to have a say. The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports on lawmakers efforts to decrease transparency concerning data center projects in the state.

Read more ⤵️

Tax break for data centers could offset all state taxes A proposed bill could give away millions in tax breaks to data centers

Despite lawmakers promises that data centers would provide significant economic growth in the Mountain State, they have now introduced a new tax credit via HB 4013 giving millions in revenue away. Read more from Mountain State Spotlight. ⤵️

WV lawmakers approve changes to microgrid, data center rules; vote down public transparency measure • West Virginia Watch The joint Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee approved several changes to microgrid proposals during a meeting Wednesday.

Lawmakers in West Virginia vote down an amendment introduce by Rep. Kayla Young (D- Kanawha) to HB 2014 proposing that the Department of Commerce release redacted fillings from businesses wishing to build data centers in the state, Reports Caity Coyne of WV Watch. 

Read more. ⤵️

WV lawmakers approve changes to microgrid, data center rules; vote down public transparency measure • West Virginia Watch The joint Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee approved several changes to microgrid proposals during a meeting Wednesday.

Lawmakers in West Virginia vote down an amendment introduce by Rep. Kayla Young (D- Kanawha) to HB 2014 proposing that the Department of Commerce release redacted fillings from businesses wishing to build data centers in the state, Reports Caity Coyne of WV Watch. 

Read more. ⤵️

BREAKING NEWS: The West Virginia Air Quality Board has ruled in favor of the Ridgeline data center and power plant proposed for Tucker County, in spite of local and environmental groups' appeal. The fight is not over, though, donate now to help prevent data center encroachment in West Virginia.

Dolly Sods is more than a destination—it’s a responsibility. Join the Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards and help protect one of the wildest places in Appalachia.

Click the link below for more information and updates on upcoming trainings!
🔗 https://www.wvhighlands.org/dolly-sods-wilderness-stewards/

Join us for a free Zoom presentation, Industry & Landowner Negotiation 101, on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2:30 PM. 

Environmental law expert Jocelyn Phares covers eminent domain, negotiation tools, and real-world examples. 

Link to register below ⤵️
https://secure.everyaction.com/ty3uLRY1o0ad1IVfMvL0Iw2

Decades without clean water in southern WV’s coalfields. Aging coal-era systems, contamination, and disinvestment left families relying on bottled water or roadside springs. A proposed Coalfield Clean Water Act could unlock funding to finally address the crisis.

🔗 https://bit.ly/3LYXZFe

The latest issue of The Highlands Voice is out! 📰

This month: West Virginia’s coalfield water crisis, Corridor H concerns, Clean Water Act rollbacks, solar policy in the 2026 Legislature, conservation easements, and many more important topics. 

Read the full edition below ⤵️

House Moving Big Tax Break for New Data Centers - West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy After promises last legislative session that HB 2014, the so-called Power Generation and Consumption Act, would make West Virginia “the most attractive state in the country for data centers“, lawmakers are back with a new package of tax incentives for data centers (along with manufacturers and other big corporations). HB 4013 would give major tax […]

“HB 4013 would give major tax cuts to these entities by allowing them to dramatically reduce or even eliminate their state tax liability by deducting most of their costs from their tax bill including capital investments, construction costs, and employee wages.” - WV Center on Budget & Policy

Join us for a free Zoom presentation, Industry & Landowner Negotiation 101, on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2:30 PM. 

Environmental law expert Jocelyn Phares covers eminent domain, negotiation tools, and real-world examples. 

Link to register below ⤵️
https://secure.everyaction.com/ty3uLRY1o0ad1IVfMvL0Iw2

A proposed data center in Tucker County could cost the local community up to $35M, according to a new report cited by the Charleston Gazette-Mail. Critics warn of environmental harm, water strain, and costs shifted to taxpayers.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/49TDQbE

"...why are we pouring over $500 million dollars into this road," said Miller, "when there are bridges and roads failing all across the state?"

Olivia Miller - WVHC, was responding to the Federal Highway Adminstration's Finding Of No Significant Impact for the Wardensville segment of Corridor H.

Blasting, a ruptured coal seam, and no cleanup: One family’s Corridor H aftermath - West Virginia Highlands Conservancy A Barbour County land owner describes decades of environmental harm after Corridor H blasting ruptured a coal seam, turning a native trout stream acidic with no cleanup in sight.

A family farm held since 1848. A trout stream turned sulfur-yellow after Corridor H blasting ruptured a coal seam beneath it. Linda Durrett’s story shows how “progress” without accountability can leave permanent scars on land and water.

Full story below ⤵️

Get to know Scott Durham, Cameron Layne, and Jocelyn Phares, the Conservancy’s newest board members - West Virginia Highlands Conservancy Meet Scott Durham, Cameron Layne, and Jocelyn Phares, the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy’s newest board members, and learn about their backgrounds, passions, and commitment to conservation.

New voices, shared values. 🌲 Meet Scott Durham, Cameron Layne, and Jocelyn Phares— WVHC’s newest board members. All from different backgrounds, they’re united by a love for WV’s wild places and a commitment to protecting them.

Read the full Q&A down below ⤵️

Happy holidays from our team here at the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy! ✨🎁

Our work would not be possible without each and every one of you. Cheers to another fantastic year of conservation, community, and protecting our Highlands. Now onto 2026! 💪

Protecting West Virginia’s wild waters: The push to safeguard 16 iconic rivers - West Virginia Highlands Conservancy West Virginia has one Wild and Scenic River. About 10 miles of the Bluestone River is permanently designated under the National Wild and Scenic River Act. Designation keeps the Bluestone free-flowing (that means no dams!) and protects its remarkable values. 

WV has 16 iconic waterways eligible for Wild & Scenic designation—nearly 500 river miles that support drinking water, wildlife, and recreation. WV Rivers Coalition is pushing for permanent protection and public support.

Read more + sign on below:

West Virginians asked to foot the bill for Virginia’s data center boom - West Virginia Highlands Conservancy The proposed Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL), a 155-mile high-voltage transmission line planned by NextEra Energy, would stretch from Greene County, Pennsylvania, through Monongalia, Preston, Hampshire, and Mineral counties in West Virginia before terminating in Loudoun County, Virginia—also known as Data Center Alley.

West Virginians are being asked to bear the land, cost, and environmental burdens of powering Virginia’s data center boom. A proposed 155-mile transmission line would export West Virginia’s energy with little benefit at home.

Read the full story and learn about getting involved ⤵️

The new issue of The Highlands Voice is out! 🌲

This month: an air permit appeal, Capon Springs’ unexpected fight, Corridor H blasting fallout, good news for Wood Turtles, reflections on climate change, a winter note from our President, & the welcoming of new board members.

Read more below ⤵️

Fundraiser launched to support community opposition to industrial wind project on Jack Mountain - West Virginia Highlands Conservancy Friends of Beautiful Pendleton County, a grassroots community organization, is working to protect the scenic landscapes and rural character of Pendleton County, West Virginia. The group is opposing a proposal to construct industrial wind turbines on Jack Mountain, along with approximately 17 miles of new high-voltage transmission lines.

A proposed 43-turbine industrial wind project on Jack Mountain threatens Pendleton County’s scenery, wildlife, and rural communities. A fundraiser is now underway to support local opposition and protect the region.

Read more down below, and please donate if you’re able.

Reeling in responsibility: Why fall is the time to fish smart in West Virginia - West Virginia Highlands Conservancy In many West Virginia waterways, trout are stocked by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) during the fall. A special “monster trout” stocking program recently wrapped up. While visiting your favorite fishing hole, you might find these unusually large fish—and some come with a bonus: tags.

WV’s trout fisheries rely on informed anglers. From stocked “monster trout” to wild brook and browns, each fish has different needs. Thoughtful catch-and-release helps protect future generations.

Read more on this using the link below ⬇️

WV DEP wraps up hearing over appeal of air quality permit for proposed Tucker County power plant • West Virginia Watch Proceedings wrapped Thursday for a hearing regarding a requested appeal of the DEP’s Air Quality Board’s decision to grant a permit for the construction of a power plant in Tucker County.

“So this is a permit by algebra, and it means nothing because the variability can overwhelm you,” said Dr. Ron Sahu, a mechanical engineer with a Ph.D. in coal combustion, during testimony before the West Virginia Air Quality Board, West Virginia Watch’s Caity Coyne reported.

State Regulators Hear Two Days Of Evidence In Appeal Of Tucker County Data Center Permits - West Virginia Public Broadcasting State regulators spent two days hearing evidence about the air quality permit for a microgrid facility in Tucker County that is expected to power a data center.

The WV Air Quality board heard two days of testimony last week from residents and experts in Tucker United, the Sierra Club, and WVHC’s ongoing fight against Fundamental Data’s proposed gas plant and data center.