Hundreds rally in Richmond to stop Virginia data centers
Hundreds rallied at Virginia’s State Capitol in Richmond to demand a moratorium on new data center development, citing rising electricity costs and environmental concerns. Organizers and lawmakers are calling for a temporary statewide ban, while industry representatives argue that data centers provide jobs and can be developed responsibly.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Capitol Square in Richmond to oppose additional data center construction across Virginia. Speakers cited increasing electricity bills and potential environmental impacts, with residents from communities including Petersburg and Hanover County urging state officials to pause projects still in the development pipeline.
The rally followed an executive order from Virginia’s governor barring state agencies from entering certain nondisclosure agreements and encouraging localities to seek better terms from proposed data center projects. Organizers and lawmakers, including state Sen. Russ Potts, are seeking a three-year moratorium on new facilities, while supporters of continued development say the industry creates jobs and that Virginia should remain open to investment under appropriate safeguards.