Residents pack meeting to oppose data centers

Hundreds of residents in Henry County, Virginia, flooded the Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting on July 28 to oppose potential data center developments. More than 30 individuals addressed the board, highlighting significant concerns about increased water consumption, noise pollution, environmental degradation, and heightened energy demands.

Speakers like engineer Dudley Dawson detailed how heat generated by data centers could raise local air temperatures, affecting farmland, crops, and animals. He also warned of continuous noise, light pollution marring sunsets, and substantial electronic waste contributing to local landfills every three years. Dawson recommended requiring restoration bonds from developers, similar to solar farms, to ensure proper cleanup after a data centers' operational life.

Terrilyn Twigg expressed fears about the fire risk associated with lithium-ion batteries used in data centers and the potential strain on local fire departments. Another speaker, a software engineer from Cave Spring, advocated for a broader moratorium on data centers across Southwest Virginia until stronger standards are established, arguing that communities should not be exploited by developers promising funding. He also noted Virginia's already high concentration of data centers and cautioned against rising electricity rates.

Naomi Hodge-Muse urged the supervisors to act as "law enforcement" for the county's prosperity and environment, recommending they hire a specialized attorney to craft zoning ordinances that would deter data center companies from settling in Henry County. The overwhelming public sentiment led the supervisors to delay a decision on proposed zoning regulations, opting instead for further public review.