Tell Richmond Decision-Makers: Pause the Development of Data Centers

Please pause the development of data centers for the next year until new rules are developed.

Communities across Virginia are being harmed by the unregulated deployment of massive data center projects that strain water resources, spike energy bills, and worsen the climate crisis. We are calling on you to prohibit by-right zoning for all data center proposals and pause their development until Richmond has established common-sense policy safeguards that protect people, communities, and the environment. This pause will allow time to create new regulations that establish a clear utility rate structure. Richmond needs binding legislative and policy protections that prohibit any cost shifting onto residents. Additionally, we urge the city to strengthen protections for environmental justice, set clean-energy requirements, address water use, uphold labor rights, ensure transparency, and provide benefits to the communities impacted by any of these developments. Our city deserves affordable utilities, responsible water management, protection of our shared environment, and a transparent decision-making process. In addition, we urge Richmond to discuss with member jurisdictions in our surrounding counties the usefulness of Plan RVA conducting a comprehensive regional study of data center impacts to protect our neighbors as well. Thank you for taking the time to consider my comments.