Hampton Roads residents call for statewide pause on new data centers
Hampton Roads residents and environmental advocates held a march in Virginia Beach calling for a statewide pause on approvals for new data centers. Organizers cited concerns about electricity costs, grid demand, water consumption, environmental impacts and local development decisions.
Residents and environmental advocates gathered at Town Center in Virginia Beach as part of a two-week campaign urging Virginia to impose a statewide moratorium on approvals for new data centers. Organizers said the pause would give lawmakers time to establish safeguards for public health, environmental resources, energy affordability and community input.
Melissa Lukeson of the Coastal Virginia Coalition, Catherine Setaro of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters and Michelle Ueltschi of the CCAN Action Fund described concerns about rising utility costs, water and energy demand, land loss, home values and quality of life. The event was sponsored by several conservation and community groups, including CCAN Action Fund, Save the Dismal, the Coastal Virginia Sierra Club and the Center for Sustainable Communities.