Protesters urge Virginia to halt new data center approvals statewide
Protesters gathered in Richmond, Virginia, demanding a statewide moratorium on new data center approvals. They expressed concerns about the environmental impact, strain on the power grid, and lack of community benefits, citing Botetourt County's recent approval of a Google data center as a primary example of unchecked development.
People from across central Virginia gathered in Richmond to protest the proliferation of data centers, urging state leaders to enact a statewide moratorium on new approvals. Virginia currently hosts the highest number of data centers globally, leading to growing public discontent. Protesters voiced concerns over the extensive use of natural resources by big tech companies, including impacts on water, clean air, and green spaces, alongside the perceived lack of community contributions from these facilities.
A central point of contention highlighted by the protest was Botetourt County's recent approval of a Google data center. Katherine Hattam, a Botetourt County native and activist, criticized Google's offer of $4 million in community grants, calling it "pocket change" that does not compensate for the environmental and health costs to communities, livestock, and wildlife.
Additionally, demonstrators raised alarms about the strain data centers place on Virginia's power grid, which they claim leads to higher electricity bills for residents. One protester, Susan, expressed her frustration over her power bill being the highest it has ever been. The activists feel betrayed by lawmakers, arguing that profit is being prioritized over people and the planet, and they vowed to continue their fight until a statewide moratorium is implemented.