Virginia residents rally at State Capitol over data center impact
Virginia residents rallied at the State Capitol in Richmond to express frustration over data centers' high electricity and water consumption. They highlighted rising energy bills and water conservation efforts for residents while data centers continue to expand in the Commonwealth. Residents urged lawmakers to hold the industry accountable and pause data center approvals until effective solutions are implemented.
Residents from various Virginia localities gathered at the State Capitol in Richmond to protest the proliferation of data centers, citing concerns about high water usage and increasing energy bills. They urged state lawmakers to implement solutions that hold the data center industry accountable.
Protesters, representing communities such as Hanover, Henrico, Louisa, Botetourt, and Hampton Roads, expressed dissatisfaction with being asked to conserve resources while data centers consume significant amounts. Data centers account for 26% of Virginia's electricity use and over 2 billion gallons of water annually. Dominion Energy recently increased rates by 25% for customers, leading to an estimated $8 monthly increase for average households, while Henrico County is asking its employees to reduce energy consumption.
Environmental advocates highlighted that one data center can use 4 million gallons of water daily, equivalent to 1,000 individuals' consumption. The Commonwealth has also been under a drought warning, intensifying calls for water conservation among residents. Residents emphasized that they are "bearing the burden" of these resource demands, not the tech companies.
Although lawmakers included an energy consumption tax on data centers in their latest budget, which Governor Abigail Spanberger supported as a step to protect ratepayers, residents believe it is not enough. They are demanding a halt to data center approvals until more robust solutions are in place.