Budget punts on needed reforms, as Virginians are demanding greater accountability 

RICHMOND, VA – Today, the Virginia House of Delegates unveiled its budget proposal, which turns the House’s previous clean energy standard provisions into a study of the data center industry – action that falls short of what the moment demands. 

In response to this budget proposal, a coalition of environmental groups issued the following joint statement: 

“Virginians overwhelmingly are concerned and outraged by the impact that data centers are having as they face rising electric rates, and Virginians grapple with constant noise, dirtier air, water scarcity, and changes and threats to the fabric of their communities being brought on by this industry.

“Today, the House of Delegates released a budget proposal that backtracks from the proposal previously adopted by the House to hold the data center industry accountable to cleaning up its act and the Governor’s commitment that the industry pays its fair share. 

“The time to study this issue further has passed. Across the country, Blue and Red states alike are taking decisive action by passing stronger regulations, raising taxes on, requiring more accountability from, and holding the industry to clean energy standards. Virginia, the data center capital of the world, had an opportunity to lead on this issue nationwide. Now, we urge our state leaders to at least follow the lead of others and require the data center industry to abide by clean energy standards and to cover the costs of energy infrastructure now being unfairly shouldered by Virginia voters.

“We urge the Senate, House, and Governor to do the hard work voters expect of them and enact a budget that benefits the people over corporations.” 

Signatories: 

Michael Town, Executive Director, Virginia League of Conservation Voters

Connor Kish, Director, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter

Walton Shepherd, Virginia Director, Natural Resources Defense Council

Victoria Higgins, Virginia Director, Chesapeake Climate Action Network Action Fund

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund is dedicated to driving change in public policies at the local, state, and national levels to address the climate crisis. Through voter education, lobbying, and participation in the electoral process, we seek to advance our country’s leadership in the global movement toward clean energy solutions — focusing our efforts primarily in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. We know that a vibrant democracy is central to our success so we work to defend democratic integrity wherever we can.