Governor Morrisey Names Chris Morris to Lead Advisory Council on Responsible Digital Manufacturing Development
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (The Hinton News) - Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the appointment of Chris Morris as Chair of the new West Virginia Advisory Council on Responsible Digital Manufacturing, advancing the state's efforts to strengthen community protections, promote local input, and ensure responsible digital infrastructure development. "Digital infrastructure represents a tremendous economic opportunity for West Virginia, but we've seen what happens in other states when development moves forward without adequate planning and protections," said Governor Morrisey . "We're not going to repeat those mistakes. Developers must be responsible for their own infrastructure, protect our water resources, and ensure West Virginia families aren't left paying higher utility bills. This Council will help us establish clear expectations, give communities a voice, and make sure this growth benefits the people of West Virginia." The approximately 15-member Council will bring together representatives from the data center industry, utilities, environmental organizations, local governments, higher education, economic development, the Legislature, and the public. The Council will develop recommendations for a comprehensive 20-year plan to guide the growth of West Virginia's digital economy, with particular attention to protecting residential utility customers, preserving water resources, managing noise and road impacts, and ensuring communities have a voice in decisions affecting
