Virginia confronts data center impacts as public mobilizes

The Piedmont Environmental Council reports increased public mobilization and advocacy for data center reform in Virginia.

• Main action: PEC reports the surging cost of the sales tax exemption for data computer equipment at $1.9 billion, nearly 6% of Virginia’s $31 billion in state revenue, which has triggered a split between the Senate and House and delayed a final budget until later in April; PEC held its fourth annual Data Center Reform Lobby Day in February with over 120 attendees who met more than 80 legislative offices to press for reform.
• Background and details: Utilities such as Dominion held public information sessions on transmission lines, substations and new power plants; stakeholders are participating in proceedings at the State Corporation Commission and Department of Environmental Quality; PEC and partners will sponsor hundreds of events over the next six months (tree plantings, PEC Community Farm activities, land conservation efforts).