Written by Jeff Staples, Chesapeake, Virginia

Cars drive past data centers, July 16, 2023, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)

The threat of data centers being located in Hampton Roads has been in the news almost daily. This is terribly ironic as the public has overwhelmingly stated its position to deny data centers in our area. Many of our politicians are seemingly not concerned with public opinion.

Data centers are threats to our communities in many ways. They are heavy polluters of the air and water and also threaten our health with the noise they produce. Data centers rob us of productive farmland and cause a dramatic loss of quality of life. This industry has also caused water and electricity bills to go up for the public.

The big business organizations often push for data center development. They have the attention of many of our local elected and appointed officials. Their ability to constantly lobby and make large campaign contributions detract from the community voices who often get less than three minutes to speak at city council and planning commission meetings.

To show the united opposition of the public, many environment and public interest groups are coming together to hold statewide rallies to demand a commonwealth-wide moratorium on data centers. Our local “March for a Moratorium,” will be held 4-6 p.m. Oct. 20 at Town Center in Virginia Beach. Organizers would love to see our elected and appointed officials attend to listen and engage with concerned citizens.