Data Center Signal is tracking 4 clips about Chirisa data center developments across 1 states, including VA.
The Richmond region is experiencing rapid growth in hyperscale data centers, prompting concerns about their heavy use of electricity and water, noise, pollution and taxpayer-funded incentives. University of Richmond professor Mary Finley-Brook describes growing bipartisan opposition and highlights potential environmental-justice impacts in communities near Chesterfield, Henrico and Varina.
Chesterfield County, Virginia, has announced a policy shift, indicating it will no longer approve new data center projects beyond those already in progress, due to increasing public opposition. Existing projects by Google, Chirisa, and Global Securitization Services will proceed, with Google's $9 billion investment anticipated to be the largest. The county is also considering increasing the special tax rate on data center equipment.
Chesterfield County is considering a proposed ordinance to allocate all tax revenue from data centers, including those from Google and Chirisa, to reduce the personal property tax rate on vehicles. The Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on this ordinance after a public hearing on August 26. This initiative aims to provide significant tax relief to residents by leveraging the substantial commercial investment from data center projects.
A new poll shows that nearly 8 in 10 Virginia voters believe data centers should pay additional fees for electricity, and over 70% oppose tax exemptions for them. The article highlights strong community opposition, particularly in Chesterfield County where Google is planning projects, and legislative efforts to regulate data center development across the state.