Stafford Data Centers
The Stafford Board of Supervisors is urging Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger to call a special legislative session to address the rapid growth of data centers. They are seeking immediate comprehensive legislation for data center siting, local authority, and environmental protections, including a potential temporary moratorium. The board also plans to send a letter to the US Administration regarding its push for data center development.
The Stafford Board of Supervisors has expressed growing bipartisan concern regarding the uncontrolled growth of data centers in Virginia, stating that existing laws and regulations have not kept pace with this expansion. Supervisor Crystal Vanuich, along with other supervisors, is advocating for immediate action from the state government.
The board plans to send a letter to Governor Abigail Spanberger, requesting a special session of the General Assembly to address these issues. They propose that if comprehensive legislation cannot be enacted promptly, the Commonwealth should consider a temporary moratorium on new large-scale data center approvals until adequate protections are established. The supervisors emphasize that their goal is not to stop all data center development, acknowledging the investment, tax revenue, jobs, and technological infrastructure they bring, but rather to ensure responsible growth.
Key concerns highlighted include enormous electrical demand, especially with projects like "the Kraken" proposed in Stafford County, as well as impacts on groundwater, watersheds, noise, land use, and infrastructure. Supervisors noted that localities, governed by Dillon's Rule, lack the full authority and regulatory framework needed to address the cumulative effects of such developments. Recent studies by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and statements by Senator Sturdivant have identified legitimate concerns about the doubling of electrical demand within ten years due to data centers, and the potential for residential customers to subsidize billions in infrastructure costs.
Furthermore, the board also intends to send a letter to the US Administration, expressing opposition to the federal push for data center and AI technology growth. Supervisor Diggs and Supervisor Allen discussed that while Stafford County already has some of the strictest ordinances and largest setbacks in the state, these measures are insufficient, particularly regarding water rights and the authority to restrict data centers from drawing water from sources like the Rappahannock River.