Supervisors weigh data center rules before any proposals
The Henry County Board of Supervisors in Virginia is proactively considering zoning ordinance amendments for data centers, even though no specific projects have been proposed yet. The board aims to establish clear regulations before any applications are submitted, addressing concerns such as water consumption, electricity demand, and economic impacts. These proposed changes are expected to be discussed at their July 28 meeting.
The Henry County Board of Supervisors in Virginia is proactively working to establish clear regulations for data centers, even though no specific projects have been proposed within the county. The board is scheduled to consider zoning ordinance amendments addressing data centers and battery energy storage systems at its July 28 meeting. Supervisors aim to prevent weaknesses in current ordinances and ensure thorough vetting of potential projects.
Board Chairman Jim Adams emphasized the need for careful scrutiny of large-scale developments like data centers, while Vice Chairman Travis Pruitt highlighted the importance of having rules in place, especially given the rising demand driven by artificial intelligence. Pruitt noted current zoning lacks provisions for issues like noise and acknowledged water consumption as a major concern, particularly during droughts.
Supervisor Debra Buchanan advocated for more public and board education on data centers, drawing parallels to historical industrial water usage. Garrett Dillard and Pam Cobler are still researching the issue, weighing potential economic benefits against environmental impacts. Chris Lawless, while acknowledging the financial pressures on local governments that might lead to considering such developments, stated he is not a supporter of data centers and the board has no plans to recruit one. The collective sentiment is to prepare a robust regulatory framework before any applications arise.