‘When do we want it? Now’: Virginians rally against new data centers
Advocates rallied in Virginia Beach to urge Virginia legislators and the governor to pause new data center development. The Chesapeake Climate Action Network is seeking noise limits, setbacks, clean-energy requirements and other protections for communities affected by large facilities.
Community members gathered and marched through Town Center in Virginia Beach, led by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, to call for a pause on new data centers in Virginia. Organizers said they do not oppose data centers outright but want rules, inspections and other safeguards before additional facilities are built.
The proposed protections include noise restrictions, setbacks and clean-energy requirements. Supporters argued that large data centers could increase customer energy costs and contribute to climate change, and said residents should not bear the facilities’ impacts. Organizers planned another moratorium march at the Virginia Capitol in Richmond, hoping state legislators and the governor will act.