Henry County Withdraws Proposed Data Center Regulations
The Henry County Board of Supervisors unanimously removed proposed data center regulations from a package of zoning amendments after significant public opposition. Residents raised concerns about water consumption, noise, and environmental impacts, with some requesting a temporary moratorium. The Planning Commission is now expected to develop new regulations.
The Henry County Board of Supervisors in Virginia unanimously withdrew proposed data center regulations from a package of zoning amendments following significant public opposition. More than 100 residents attended a public hearing, voicing concerns over potential water consumption, noise, public health impacts, and effects on wildlife habitats. Some speakers argued the proposed requirements were insufficient, while others called for a temporary moratorium on data center development.
County Attorney George Lyle advised the supervisors against imposing a moratorium, cautioning it could leave the county vulnerable. County Administrator Dale Wagoner also noted that there are currently no active data center proposals in Henry County. Residents addressed the board for approximately two hours, with some questioning the financial incentives for county officials regarding potential developments, a claim Supervisor Garrett Dillard denied.
Following the hearing, the supervisors removed all data center provisions from the proposed zoning amendments. The Henry County Planning Commission is now tasked with developing a new set of regulations, though no timeline has been announced. Separately, the board approved other zoning amendments, including a reduction in the land permitted for utility-scale solar projects, effectively preventing new solar developments under the current ordinance.