Google faces opposition to Botetourt data center

Google's plans to develop a data center campus on a 312-acre parcel at the Botetourt Center at Greenfield, Virginia, are encountering significant community opposition. Concerns have escalated following news reports indicating the project's initial need for 2 million gallons of water daily, potentially increasing to 8 million gallons per day as it expands. An open house hosted by the Western Virginia Water Authority in March drew attendees worried about the data center's impact on the region's water supply and potential declines in property values and health effects from noise. A more vocal group of opponents demonstrated at the Botetourt County Administration Center before a Board of Supervisors meeting, holding signs and speaking against the project. On March 26, Google officially confirmed its intentions for Daleville, emphasizing a commitment to responsible development, water stewardship, and community investment. However, the announcement provided few new details, prompting criticism from the Southwest Virginia Data Center Transparency Alliance, which formed in 2025 to oppose the project. Co-founder Julie Bivins criticized Google's statement as vague and lacking specifics. A Google spokesperson stated that the company must secure approvals from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, along with finalizing local permits, before construction can commence.