Virginians call for data center limits at state energy plan hearing
Virginians at a public input session for the 2026 Virginia Energy Plan called for restrictions and a moratorium on data center development. Residents expressed concerns about data centers straining natural resources, increasing electricity bills, and overwhelming the energy grid. State officials are considering the public comments before finalizing the plan in October.
Residents gathered in Petersburg, Virginia, for a public input session on the 2026 Virginia Energy Plan, a 10-year guideline to steer the state towards a net-zero carbon energy economy by 2045. During the session, many attendees, including members of the group Data Center Defiance, voiced strong concerns about the rapid growth of data centers. They argued that data centers are straining natural resources, driving up electricity costs, and pushing the state's energy grid beyond its capacity.
Multiple speakers specifically called for a moratorium on new data center construction, with some noting that the government needs more time to develop necessary regulations. Participants also raised the importance of clean energy, such as solar power, for the state's future and asked state leaders to address rising energy rates. Representatives from Governor Abigail Spanberger's administration and state agencies were present and assured attendees that their comments would be noted and considered as the energy plan is finalized, with its release expected in October.