Column: Welcome data centers but insist on responsible growth
This column discusses the growing debate in Virginia over data center development, balancing economic benefits with concerns like electricity, water, noise, and environmental impact. It advocates for responsible growth through proper siting, transparent regulation, and fair allocation of infrastructure costs. The author suggests directing data centers to established industrial parks and ensuring independent oversight of environmental and financial impacts.
Glenn Russell, owner and broker for Coastal Group, Inc., Realtors in Virginia Beach, argues that Virginia must adopt a balanced approach to data center development, acknowledging their value for technologies like artificial intelligence while addressing public concerns.
Russell's column in the Daily Press highlights that while some communities welcome the investment and jobs, others worry about electricity demands, water usage, noise, pollution, and the impact on neighborhoods. He cites a recent recommendation from The Virginian-Pilot & Daily Press Editorial Board, suggesting that localities guide data centers toward established industrial parks to mitigate conflicts and better accommodate their large-scale infrastructure requirements.
The author emphasizes the need for Virginia to address air quality and public health concerns, particularly regarding emissions from natural-gas turbines and diesel generators. He calls for transparent reporting, meaningful noise standards, and independent environmental and health reviews. Russell also raises the significant issue of electricity, noting Dominion Energy's request for regulatory approval to recover approximately $1.5 billion in transmission investments, with 68% of planned projects through 2031 linked to data center growth. He argues that companies generating this demand should bear substantial upfront costs, ensuring homeowners and businesses do not subsidize the infrastructure primarily serving large technology firms.