Virginia Capitol Rally Calls for Statewide Pause on Data Center Growth
Hundreds of Virginians rallied at the state Capitol in Richmond to demand a statewide pause on data center construction and approvals. Organizers cited concerns about air, water, noise, emissions and electricity costs, while Amazon’s continued expansion in central Virginia drew additional criticism.
Hundreds of protesters gathered at Richmond’s Capitol Square as part of a statewide campaign seeking a moratorium on new data center construction and approvals in Virginia. Organizers, including the Chesapeake Climate Action Network Fund, Stop Virginia Data Centers and other community groups, called for protections addressing air and water impacts, diesel emissions, noise, electric rates and infrastructure costs before additional facilities are approved.
Jennifer Corpus of Friends of Hanover described opposition to multiple data center proposals in Hanover County, while Henrico County NAACP President Monica Hutchinson called for stronger environmental-justice protections and community oversight. The rally followed Amazon’s announcement that it would continue expanding in central Virginia, including two campuses under development in Louisa County. The Data Center Coalition defended the industry’s economic contributions, while organizers said they were awaiting a response from Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s office and other elected officials.