Virginia Counties Debate Data Center Development Regulations

Local governments in Virginia are divided over how to manage the arrival of energy-intensive data centers. In New Kent County, Ron Stiers, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, voiced strong opposition to a proposed technology overlay district for the Route 33 corridor, citing concerns over noise pollution and the consumption of power and water. While District 5 Supervisor Jordan Stewart briefly moved to scrap the draft district, the proposal will proceed to a public hearing and formal vote later this year. Other board members, including Supervisor Amy Pearson, argued for restrictive ordinances to prevent developers from operating without oversight.

Simultaneously, the King William County Board of Supervisors indefinitely tabled a draft ordinance that would have encouraged the development of data centers and energy storage facilities. The measure had previously received unanimous approval from the county's planning commission on March 3. However, the board halted the process during an April 13 meeting following public backlash regarding environmental impacts and resource consumption. Supervisor Justin Catlett led the effort to table the ordinance, noting a lack of specific language regarding enforcement and public safety.