Column: Virginia Needs Stronger Regulation of Data Centers, Writer Says
A Chesapeake Sustainability Network leader argues that Virginia needs stronger federal, state and local regulation of data centers. The column cites short-term moratoriums in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach and Suffolk and raises concerns about energy and water use, pollution, noise, land loss and community impacts.
Rogard Ross, chair of the Chesapeake Sustainability Network, argues that the rapid expansion of data centers driven by artificial intelligence is placing growing pressure on Virginia’s energy, water, land and communities. He points to short-term moratoriums in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach and Suffolk as residents and local governments seek to determine where and how data centers should be permitted.
Ross calls for a coordinated response at the federal, state and local levels, including cleaner energy planning, stronger setbacks, enforceable noise limits, protection of water supplies and pollution controls. He contends that the facilities’ power consumption, cooling needs, backup generators, heat output and construction impacts could raise costs and worsen environmental and quality-of-life concerns unless growth is more tightly regulated.