In recent years data centers have become one of the most controversial industries across the nation.
According to a Gallup poll from March of this year, 71 percent of Americans oppose the construction of a data center near their homes. By comparison, the poll found only 53 percent of Americans oppose the construction of a nuclear power plant near their home.
Opposition to data centers crosses political lines as registered Republicans, Democrats and Independents have voiced opposition to such facilities.
Opposition to data centers is based on several factors.
Data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity. Some studies have shown they can use as much electricity as hundreds or even thousands of homes. Opponents say this drives up costs and puts a tremendous strain on electric infrastructure.
The amount of water needed for cooling systems is another universal concern. Data centers can require hundreds of thousands or even millions of gallons of water each day. Opponents say it creates unnecessary competition for water between the centers and residents, farmers and smaller businesses.
Noise from low-frequency cooling fans and generators, air quality and land value are other concerns often cited.
Such concerns, as well as voter opposition, prompted members of the Virginia State Senate – Louise Lucas (D), Russet Perry (D) and Richard Stuart (R) – to write Governor Abigail Spanberger. Their letter called for a data center moratorium in Northern Virginia.
Late last week, Oasis Digital Properties, a developer of data centers, announced it is working on a project in Russell County. That announcement caught the attention of the group that led the fight against a proposed mega-landfill at the former Moss 3 site in 2023 and 2024.
Since the end of the landfill controversy, members of the group have been reporting activities on the Moss 3 property on the group’s Facebook page — We Say No to Moss 3 Landfill Public Group.
Reports of men in suits surveying the property, people studying the water at nearby Lake Bonaventure and other activities were mentioned as concern grew that a data center could be coming to the area.
When the Oasis announcement became known, group members instantly voiced plans to oppose the data center.
R.D. Snead stated, “Let’s go to work, start asking questions get facts together get ready for next BOS (board of supervisors meeting). If you care, please be at the next BOS meeting. Keep your eyes and ears open.”
Jared Ring outlined four areas of concern. They were potential environmental impact, whether or not the county would be paid for the data center to locate in the county, what exactly is being hosted and the price of electricity.
“I’d want some sort of guarantee that the buildout and subsequent energy use from nearby Carbo wouldn’t hike prices,” he said.
