Mobile billboards to urge lawmakers to support clean energy for data centers
Appalachian Voices is deploying mobile billboards in Richmond, Virginia, to pressure state lawmakers during budget negotiations. The advocacy group urges the General Assembly to require data centers to use clean energy and water responsibly. This push comes as lawmakers debate tax breaks for data centers and their environmental and economic impacts on Virginians.
Appalachian Voices is orchestrating a mobile billboard campaign in Richmond, Virginia, on June 16 and 18, targeting state lawmakers amidst ongoing budget negotiations. The environmental advocacy group aims to compel legislators to mandate clean energy usage and responsible water management for data centers, regardless of decisions on tax breaks for the industry.
The billboards will operate near the Virginia Capitol as the House and Senate reconvene to finalize a budget deal, which previously showed significant differences in proposed tax treatment for data centers. Peter Anderson, Director of State Energy Policy for Appalachian Voices, emphasized the importance of these requirements, citing concerns over data centers' contribution to increased electric bills, air pollution, strained water supplies, and noise disturbances in local communities.
This initiative underscores the growing public and advocacy pressure on Virginia's political leadership to address the environmental and economic impacts of the rapidly expanding data center sector in the state.