Spotsylvania supervisors weigh support of statewide moratorium on data centers
The Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors is set to vote on a resolution supporting a statewide moratorium on data center development in Virginia, proposed by State Sen. Glen Sturtevant. Supervisor Chris Yakabouski is spearheading the resolution, citing concerns about electricity usage. This comes after the county already implemented Special Use Permit requirements and restrictions on noise and water for data centers.
The Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors is poised to consider a resolution backing State Sen. Glen Sturtevant's proposal for an immediate, statewide moratorium on all data center development in Virginia. Supervisor Chris Yakabouski, representing the Battlefield District, announced his intention to introduce the resolution at the upcoming board meeting, citing the significant electricity consumption of data centers as a primary concern.
This move follows the board's earlier actions in February, which established a Special Use Permit requirement for all data center projects within Spotsylvania County and imposed stringent noise and water usage restrictions. The county specifically prohibits data centers from utilizing drinking water or digging wells for cooling purposes, and mandates natural buffers to mitigate noise pollution. Despite these local regulations, Supervisor David Goosman, from the Berkeley District, expressed that local authorities lack control over energy demand, usage, and allocation, underscoring the need for state-level intervention.
Several state delegates representing parts of Spotsylvania County have voiced varying opinions on a potential moratorium. Del. Joshua Cole (D) indicated openness to exploring a moratorium to ensure accountability regarding environmental impact and fair contributions to the power grid. Del. Phillip Scott (R) affirmed support for the board's decision, emphasizing a belief in local control. Del. Nicole Cole (D) supports a moratorium in Spotsylvania to enable the county to strategically plan for revenue generation through data centers but expressed reluctance to back a statewide ban, arguing it would strip power from localities.
Supervisor Goosman, however, believes that supporting a statewide moratorium would send a powerful message to the state, providing assistance on issues beyond local control, particularly regarding energy infrastructure.