WILLIAMSBURG – As Virginia grapples with the rapid expansion of data centers, The League of Women Voters of Williamsburg Area will host a panel Thursday on the industry’s benefits and challenges.
Linda Rice, a member of the organization, chose data centers as this year’s focus amid growing debate over the industry’s impact.
“I think the main reason is that there’s been so much attention to the data centers, especially their growth in Virginia,” Rice said.
She pointed to ongoing discussions in the General Assembly, the creation of new energy-related programs at William & Mary Law School and Virginia Tech as reasons why the topic is timely.
Scheduled speakers include Louise White, deputy energy officer for the Commonwealth, Megan Davis, senior policy analyst for the Commonwealth Institute, who specializes in energy policy analysis and Delegate Shelly Simonds, who has introduced legislation related to environmental requirements for data centers.
Rice said people are concerned over the amount of electricity consumed by data centers, the possibility of rising utility costs, water use, wastewater discharge and noise impacts. She added that the meeting is intended to encourage citizens to become more engaged with the issue.
“I’m hoping we can energize people more to discuss these issues with their legislators, with their neighbors, with their friends,” Rice said. “You still have a voice.”
The discussion comes as Virginia remains home to the world’s largest concentration of data centers and state lawmakers continue debating how the facilities should be regulated. The free panel discussion will take place June 18, 4 to 6 p.m. at Legacy Hall in New Town.
