Spotsylvania supervisors approve statewide data center moratorium resolution

The Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors recently voted 4-2 to adopt a resolution calling on Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger to enact a statewide moratorium on data center development. The resolution, suggested by Battlefield District Supervisor Chris Yakabouski, supports an earlier call from State Senator Glen Sturtevant, R-Chesterfield, for a halt to the industry. Supervisors David Goosman and Jacob Lane cited vehement protests from constituents, including a large turnout from the group Safeguard Spotsy, as a reason for their support, emphasizing impacts such as water, electricity, and noise.

However, the resolution faced criticism from Supervisors Drew Mullins and Deborah Frazier, who voted against it. Mullins, representing the Courtland District, argued the board's stance was hypocritical, as they often complain about state interference in local affairs but are now punting a local issue to Richmond. He highlighted existing county-level restrictions on data centers, such as prohibitions on drinking water for cooling and requirements for natural buffers, suggesting the local board already acts as a "firewall." Mullins also warned that arbitrarily discriminating against an industry could lead to legal issues and potentially harm the county's AAA bond rating.

Chair Lori Hayes, despite some reservations about surrendering local land-use authority, ultimately voted in favor, seeking to send a strong message to the state about resident concerns. Frazier, from the Salem District, believed the county should develop its own solutions rather than aligning with other legislators' platforms. The county currently has eight approved data centers and 11 pending applications. The board had previously implemented stricter local regulations, including a February vote requiring a Special Use Permit for all data center projects, eliminating by-right development even in industrial zones.