Dickinson County Planning and Zoning recommend extending moratorium
The Dickinson County Planning and Zoning Commission will recommend a two-year extension of an existing moratorium on alternative energy systems. Separately, the commission declined to include data centers in a moratorium at this time, citing a need for more information and planning to engage an industrial hydrologist to study environmental impacts.
The Dickinson County Planning and Zoning Commission announced its recommendation to the County Commission for a two-year extension of the current moratorium on alternative energy systems, which is set to expire on July 6.
During their June 18 meeting, the commissioners also discussed the potential for a moratorium on data centers but ultimately decided against immediate action, opting instead to table the matter. They expressed a desire for more comprehensive information before considering a separate moratorium for data centers.
Chris Lloyd from McGuire Woods consulting presented to the commissioners, highlighting the economic benefits that data centers have brought to communities in Virginia, citing significant property tax revenues and infrastructure funding. He also addressed common misconceptions and public opposition (NIMBYism) regarding data center development.
Following the discussion, the commission directed staff to secure an industrial hydrologist to provide expert input on the environmental impacts of data centers, indicating a move towards a more informed decision-making process for future data center policies.