Protesters gather at Gov. Spanberger event over Botetourt County data center

On Monday, protests took place in Roanoke, Virginia, during an event where Governor Abigail Spanberger was signing bills. Residents from Botetourt County traveled to the event to voice their concerns regarding the recent approval of a Google data center in their county. The core of their protest centers on Virginia's sales tax exemption for data centers, which allows companies like Google to avoid paying sales tax on equipment if they meet specific investment and job creation criteria. Protester Danny Goad articulated that this exemption represents a "net loss" for both Botetourt County and the state, driving increased data center development and raising fears about the strain on local resources, particularly water. Governor Spanberger acknowledged the ongoing discussion, stating it is "wholly appropriate for the legislature to continue having conversations" about the future of such tax exemptions. The debate surrounding this exemption is anticipated to resume during an upcoming special legislative session.