Boy stands before Chesterfield Board of Supervisors, speaks out on data centers

News Clip2:29WTVR CBS 6·Chesterfield County, VA·7/23/2026

An 11-year-old boy addressed the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors, urging them to take action regarding data center developments. He voiced concerns about the environmental impact, specifically high water usage and noise pollution from these facilities. His passionate speech highlighted that even young citizens can advocate for community change.

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Gov: Chesterfield Board of Supervisors

An 11-year-old, Crew McEldry, spoke before the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors to express his concerns about data center construction and their potential impacts on the community. His interest in the issue began after his mother attended a previous board meeting, prompting him to research the topic extensively.

McEldry highlighted significant environmental issues associated with data centers. He mentioned one facility in "Batata County" (as transcribed) is permitted to use 1.3 million gallons of water daily, a figure he juxtaposed with the idea of water conservation. He also raised the problem of noise generated by these facilities, describing it as "unforgettable."

Comparing the scale of these developments, McEldry noted that some proposed data centers would be larger than Busch Gardens and Kings Dominion combined. He concluded his address by appealing directly to the Board of Supervisors, urging them to protect their constituents and the local environment, emphasizing that a single individual, regardless of age, can make a difference.