Amid widespread data centers controversy, Virginia senators hear from constituents

Virginia Senators Louise Lucas and Mamie Locke conducted a listening session in Danville, Virginia, as part of a statewide tour to gather constituent feedback on data center development. The session, attended by dozens of residents from Pittsylvania County and the City of Danville, highlighted widespread concerns regarding the industry's expansion in the Commonwealth. Constituents voiced worries about environmental impacts such as air and water pollution, noise, light pollution, and potential harm to livestock and bees, alongside issues of transparency and communication from local leaders.

The discussion prominently featured two data center projects in the region. The recently approved STACK Infrastructure project at the Berry Hill megasite, jointly owned by Pittsylvania County and Danville, was cited as one of Virginia's largest and a source of both economic promise and community apprehension. Conversely, the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors last year denied a proposal from Herndon-based developer Balico, LLC, to rezone over 2,000 acres for a data center campus and gas-fired power station, following significant public outcry.

Senators Lucas and Locke indicated that public feedback would inform legislative efforts in Richmond, as the General Assembly considers establishing "guardrails and regulations" for data centers. The senators also discussed the financial implications, noting that data center tax exemptions had cost the Commonwealth $1.9 billion annually, funds that could otherwise be invested in public services. Local officials present, including Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones and Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors chair Robert Tucker, argued that altering tax structures could harm Virginia's economy, emphasizing that localities should retain control over economic development decisions. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) has also introduced a bill for data center transparency.