Community Report – Jan 13

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Your Voice is important – Join us for Data Center Reform Lobby Day

As we enter this year’s General Assembly session, we’re reminded of the power of persistence and collective action. The Virginia Data Center Reform Coalition is hosting a Lobby Day next Monday, January 20th, and we need your voice!

With the JLARC study completed and local elected officials increasingly recognizing the need for statewide legislation, now is the time to speak up. Whether you can join us in person on the 20th or reach out to your state representatives from home, your voice makes a difference.

We understand the fatigue of addressing data center development year after year—it’s been a long road. But victories like the finalization of the conservation easement for Doves Landing, an effort PWCA has championed since 2007, remind us that change takes time and dedication. >>read more about Doves Landing

This General Assembly session is what we’ve been working toward. Let’s see it through together. Join us next Monday by registering here today! (link closes Thursday at 6pm)

If you’re unable to attend the lobby day, but still want to support this effort – fear not! You can still make your voice heard!

Use your voice as a constituent to speak with or write to your legislators about the issues that matter to you and the changes you would like to see made.

Senator Perry’s Data Center Press Conference – Tomorrow!

Press Conference to Unveil Data Center Reform Legislation

Jan 14, 10am

In-person in Richmond: Senate Press Briefing Room 400, 201 N 9th St, Richmond, VA 23219

Online stream: TBD, we will post the link to stream online here once we have it!

What:

Senator Russet Perry and a bipartisan group of supporting legislators will host a press conference to announce a comprehensive legislative package addressing the impact of data centers on Virginia’s energy grid, environment and communities.   

Legislators will highlight four pillars of key reforms that would ensure responsible data center growth and align with Virginia’s clean energy and economic goals. 

1. Improving transparency
2. Protecting families and businesses from rising costs
3. Increasing state oversight  
4. Encouraging efficient practices

Why:

This is a pivotal time for Virginia. Data centers are rapidly expanding, creating unprecedented challenges for the state’s energy system, energy affordability, environmental goals and local communities. Data centers affect every Virginian regardless of where they live in the state.

Who:

Speakers include:

• Senator Russet Perry
• Delegate Josh Thomas
• Delegate Ian Lovejoy
• Delegate Mike Webert
• Delegate Michelle Maldonado

*This press conference was originally scheduled for last week but was canceled due to Richmond’s water crisis.

General Assembly Watch Party – Data Center presentation

In early December 2024, we hosted a General Assembly Watch Party to review upcoming legislation expected in this year’s session. The clip above highlights presentations focused on data center reform.

While we don’t yet have a complete list of all the bills related to data center reform, we are advocating for changes based on the four pillars mentioned and emphasized during the presentation. Our partners at PEC and the Virginia Data Center Reform Coalition are actively identifying bills that align with our desired changes and monitoring potential legislation that could hinder these efforts.

Support: 

• https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2101 
• https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2035 
• https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2027 

Oppose

• https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2028

Additional Resources:

·      General Assembly Watch Party Recording

·      JLARC Study Presentation on Data Centers – (view their slides here | Full report is here)

·      PEC Press Release & ABT Press Release

Key Dates:

·      Session started January 8^th (see general information here)

·      January 20^th – VA Data Center Reform Coalition Lobby Day | register here

·      February 6^th – Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action 7 annual Lobby day

Upcoming events!