Rep. Subramanyam announces national data center plan
U.S. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam announced a four-bill "National Data Center Plan" aimed at shifting grid costs from residents to data centers and setting energy and water-use standards. The plan, unveiled in Ashburn, Virginia, addresses significant community concerns regarding infrastructure strain, utility costs, and environmental impact in data center-heavy regions. Local lawmakers and residents expressed support for reforms, including revising the practice of grandfathering data center applications.
U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-10th), who represents Rappahannock County, unveiled his "National Data Center Plan" during a news conference at Discovery Elementary School in Ashburn, Loudoun County, Virginia. The plan consists of four bills introduced in the House of Representatives, aimed at comprehensive reform for data center development, particularly in regions like Ashburn's "Data Center Alley" and Prince William County. The core objectives are to mandate states adopt "large-load tariffs" requiring data centers to cover their own power costs, and to direct the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop technical standards for measuring data center energy and water use.
During the event, Subramanyam highlighted the concerns of local residents who face rising utility bills and power lines traversing their communities, contrasting these local impacts with the national imperative of the "AI race." He was joined by state lawmakers including Sens. Russet Perry and Kannan Srinivasan, and Del. J.J. Singh, as well as Little River District Supervisor Laura A. TeKrony. Community leaders from Prince William County, such as Elena Schlossberg of the Coalition to Protect Prince William County and resident Elspeth McCormick, spoke about the impact on families and property values in areas like Bristow's Amberleigh Station, urging for responsible growth and accountability regarding infrastructure, environment, and financial stability.
The discussion also touched upon local issues such as the Devlin Technology Park, Hunter Property, and Gardner Property projects, and the controversial practice of "grandfathering," where pending data center applications are allowed to proceed under older, more lenient regulations. Ashburn resident Vicky Hu, who attended a previous data center listening tour, expressed optimism about proposed changes to end grandfathering, emphasizing the need to pause development to address infrastructure concerns before environmental and community harm occurs. McCormick underscored the community's stance: "We are not anti-business... We are pro-family, pro-environment, and pro-accountability."