Isle of Wight County urged to adopt data center moratorium
The Smithfield Times Editorial Board urges Isle of Wight County officials to implement a temporary moratorium on data center development, similar to actions taken by neighboring Suffolk and Chesapeake. This pause would allow for public education and input on a draft ordinance and address concerns like significant water usage. The editorial highlights strong public opposition to data centers in local communities.
The Smithfield Times Editorial Board is advocating for Isle of Wight County to implement a temporary moratorium on data center development, mirroring actions taken by neighboring Suffolk and Chesapeake. The editorial criticizes a preliminary draft ordinance, designed to regulate and invite data centers, suggesting it would be poorly received without prior public education and engagement. It specifically highlights concerns over a provision allowing data centers as close as 501 feet from residences, which it deems unacceptable.
The editorial cites a Gallup poll indicating that 70% of Americans oppose data center construction in their communities, with significant opposition across political spectrums, making it a highly emotional issue. It also emphasizes the complex environmental considerations, particularly a recent report from state officials detailing shrinking groundwater resources in eastern Virginia, including the coastal plain where Isle of Wight is located. Data centers' substantial water consumption, potentially up to 5 million gallons daily for cooling, is a primary concern.
The board stresses that a moratorium is essential for county leadership to fully comprehend the implications of data center development and engage thoroughly with citizens. This period of study and public input is deemed crucial for crafting a responsible and acceptable ordinance, ensuring that any future data centers can coexist peacefully and contribute to the county's tax base without provoking widespread citizen opposition.