Spotsylvania Supervisors Approve Resolution Urging Statewide Data Center Moratorium

Spotsylvania County supervisors voted 4-2 to adopt a resolution urging Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger to enact a statewide moratorium on data center development. The resolution, introduced by Battlefield District Supervisor Chris Yakabouski, aims for the Commonwealth to study the industry's future conditions and necessity. This decision was made despite opposition from Supervisors Drew Mullins and Deborah Frazier, who argued that Spotsylvania County already possesses effective local land-use controls and should avoid inviting state intervention into local matters.

The county currently has eight approved data center projects and 11 pending applications. Supporters of the resolution cited widespread constituent concerns regarding the environmental impact, specifically water usage and electricity demand, as well as noise pollution and overall quality of life. Conversely, opponents warned that the resolution could be perceived negatively by technology companies, potentially deterring investment, and might undermine local authority over land-use planning. This action by Spotsylvania County contributes to the ongoing and broader discussions in Virginia concerning the rapid expansion of the data center industry, which is heavily concentrated in the northern regions of the state.