Data Center Signal is tracking 10 clips about Transource data center developments across 2 states, including VA, WV.
Dominion Energy has revised potential routes for the 115-mile Valley Link Transmission line, with the main changes in Louisa and Buckingham counties. Louisa County officials and affected residents continue to oppose the project, which would carry 6.6 gigawatts of power toward Northern Virginia's data center-heavy region.
Massive data center power demand in Northern Virginia is leading to widespread environmental destruction across rural parts of the state, including new power lines and power plants, even in counties without data centers. Residents are advocating for a moratorium on data center development due to these impacts and rising utility rates, while Governor Spanberger's administration has taken some steps to raise standards and costs for data centers but faces criticism for not doing enough.
Renowned filmmaker Ken Burns has joined local delegates and county commissions in opposing the proposed Valley Link transmission line, citing historical and environmental concerns and the belief that West Virginians will bear costs for out-of-state data centers. The project, a joint venture of Transource, Dominion Energy, and FirstEnergy Transmission, is currently awaiting review by the West Virginia Public Service Commission. Opponents argue the line is primarily to serve data centers in Northern Virginia and would involve eminent domain and higher electricity rates for West Virginia residents.
Data centers in Northern Virginia are driving proposals for massive new power lines and a gas-fueled power plant across central and western Virginia, threatening natural landscapes and potentially raising utility rates. Residents in affected counties, like Fluvanna, face eminent domain for infrastructure to support data centers over 100 miles away, sparking a bipartisan movement for a statewide data center moratorium. Governor Spanberger maintains it is a "local choice," but critics argue the impacts are statewide.
West Virginia lawmakers are debating the state's data center district law (HB 2014) and its impact on local control, particularly concerning tax distribution and environmental effects. Discussions also covered two proposed regional electric transmission lines, partly driven by data center demand, with some legislators concerned about West Virginia ratepayers subsidizing power for Virginia's data centers. A specific project, Ridgeline by Fundamental Data in Tucker County, faces local opposition while awaiting approval.
West Virginia lawmakers are debating two proposed electric transmission line projects, which are partly attributed to growing data center demand. Simultaneously, Democratic lawmakers are advocating for amendments to House Bill 2014, a state law that streamlines data center development but restricts local government control, citing concerns from Tucker County residents about a proposed project.
West Virginia lawmakers are debating electric transmission line projects intended to meet growing demand, partly driven by data centers, with concerns about ratepayer subsidies. Separately, Democratic lawmakers are pushing to amend House Bill 2014, the state's data center district law, to restore local control over data center development. A proposed data center project in Tucker County, Ridgeline, faces vocal local opposition.
A major 765-kilovolt transmission line project, Valley Link, proposed by Dominion Energy and its partners to serve data centers in Northern Virginia, is facing intense opposition from residents and advocacy groups in rural Virginia counties like Goochland. Residents have filed a lawsuit challenging Goochland County's recently approved technology overlay district, citing inconsistencies in zoning. Concerns include disruption of rural character, environmental impacts, and grid reliability.
Rapidly increasing electricity demand, primarily driven by Northern Virginia data centers, is spurring major grid expansion projects across Central Virginia. This includes a new 115-mile transmission line and a second natural gas power plant in Fluvanna County, proposed by Tenaska. Local residents and environmentalists are pushing back against these infrastructure developments due to concerns about land conversion, pollution, and health impacts.
A Louisa dog boarding service owner, Sarah Strentz, is opposing the proposed 115-mile Valley Link Electric Transmission Line Project, citing concerns about the potential negative impact of high-voltage lines on animal behavior and navigation. The project, a joint venture between Dominion Energy, FirstEnergy Transmission, and Transource, is designed to meet Virginia's growing energy needs and could cut through 20 miles of Louisa County. Strentz plans to file her opposition with the State Corporation Commission, which will have the final vote on the project.