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Data Centers, Energy, and Equity: Take the Virginia Energy Survey
At our June 18 Annual Meeting, League members and guests heard a timely panel discussion on the rapid growth of data centers in Virginia and the public policy questions that growth raises. Now Virginians have an opportunity to share their views on the state’s energy future.
The public input survey closes July 31.
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The panel included Megan Davis, Senior Policy Analyst at The Commonwealth Institute; Cheryl Wilfred, Chief of Staff to Delegate Shelly Simonds of the 70th House District; and Louise White, Deputy to the Chief Energy Officer in the Office of the Governor. The panel was moderated by League member Harry Chancey.
Panelists discussed the economic benefits often cited by supporters of data centers, including construction activity, local tax revenue, and business investment. They also addressed growing concerns about whether state and local policy has kept pace with the scale of data center development.
Taxation, fairness, energy demand, water use, and environmental impacts were central themes. For the League, the issue is not simply whether data centers produce revenue, but who benefits, who pays, and whether communities receive a fair return.
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Virginia’s energy needs are growing, and the choices made now will shape electricity bills, grid reliability, and the environment for years to come. The Virginia Department of Energy is seeking public input for the 2026 Virginia Energy Plan, which will help guide energy-related decision-making across the Commonwealth over the next decade.
The topic is also a current priority for the League of Women Voters of Virginia, which supports responsible data center siting and regulation to address impacts including energy use, water use, noise, diesel emissions, tax credits, and effects on neighboring communities and the environment.
We thank Linda Rice, LWV-WA Advocacy Chair, for coordinating the panel, and we thank our panelists and moderator for helping members better understand the tax, energy, environmental, and equity issues at stake.
Survey reminder: Public input on the 2026 Virginia Energy Plan is open through July 31.
Take the survey here.
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