Cline and Macy appear aligned on one issue in the 6th District race: the need for a data center moratorium
Virginia 6th District candidates Ben Cline and Beth Macy both support pausing new data center construction until governments establish stronger transparency, environmental, water and energy protections. Macy has opposed a proposed data center in Roanoke County, while Cline says he opposes additional projects in rural Virginia and is backing federal safeguards.
Republican Rep. Ben Cline and Democratic challenger Beth Macy have found common ground in supporting a moratorium or pause on new data center construction in Virginia. Both candidates say development should wait until federal, state and local governments adopt safeguards addressing transparency, water use, electricity costs, environmental impacts and local taxation.
Macy opposed a proposed data center in Roanoke County and called for national siting standards. Cline cited concerns about rural development and said he supports limits and reporting requirements, while also backing legislation that would require utility regulators to consider making data centers pay for energy infrastructure upgrades. The candidates also criticized each other over financial ties to technology and energy companies, although both maintain those connections have not influenced their positions.