Citizens speak out against a data center
Citizens in the New River Valley, specifically Pulaski County, voiced strong opposition to proposed data centers at a Virginia's First Regional Industrial Authority meeting. Their concerns included water and electricity depletion, pollution, health hazards, increased costs for residents, and lack of job creation. A petition with 1,300 signatures was also presented against the data center.
Citizens from the New River Valley, particularly Pulaski County, expressed strong opposition to data center development in the region during the public comment section of a Virginia’s First Regional Industrial Authority board meeting on June 10th in Fairlawn. Residents conveyed their concerns about any data centers being brought into the area.
Speakers primarily cited fears of water and electrical resource depletion, environmental pollution, potential health hazards from substances like "forever chemicals" (PFAs), increased utility costs for residents, and minimal job creation. Betsy Mabry of Pulaski County highlighted a proposed $3 billion data center and power plant project in Pulaski County, which she stated was funded by the 2025 Virginia General Assembly with $15 million for site identification. She alleged a lack of transparency, citing the use of non-disclosure agreements by developers, and noted growing public opposition with seven out of ten persons opposing data centers in their areas. Mabry asserted that such projects, driven by "big tech" aligned with politicians, could compromise citizens' best interests for financial gains.
Zach Boyer of Dublin voiced concerns about health impacts and the perceived exploitation of the New River for water resources, calling developer assurances about "closed loop systems" a marketing ploy. Steve Prescott of Pulaski warned that increased electricity demands from data centers could triple usage by 2050, leading to higher costs for residents and grid strain, referencing a JLARC study. Mark Stump of Radford presented a petition with 1,300 signatures, emphasizing that "ruining the beauty and wildlife of Appalachia is never worth anything that AI data centers could generate." Hazel Wines and Jen Carroll, both from Pulaski County, reiterated concerns about resource depletion, environmental stress on the New River, noise, light pollution, and potential financial drawbacks like tax exemptions and decreased property values. Carroll also pressed the Board on transparency regarding NDAs and community input.
The Board offered no comment in response to the public's remarks or questions. They subsequently entered a closed session as allowed by the Code of Virginia to discuss a prospective business, with their next meeting scheduled for September 9, 2026.