Coalition to Protect Prince William County – Questions Relating to Data Centers
For Virginia Congressional 7th and 10th District Candidates
Answers provided by:
Jennifer B. Boysko
NAME
06/03/2024
DATE
10th Congressional District
CANDIDATE FOR
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1. Right now, data centers alone account for 20% of the electricity provided statewide by
Dominion Energy, and over 50% of the electricity provided by NOVEC service territory. Those
percentages are growing. Do you think this is sustainable? What is your position on the
growth of Data Centers in northern Virginia over the past decade? (Please provide response
here)
The growth of data centers is not sustainable. I have reached out to Dominion Energy
and met with data centers regarding my concerns. While data centers are critically
important for businesses in our community and around the world, we must ensure that
we have sufficient power from clean energy, a modernized grid infrastructure, and
sufficient water supplies. The power required by artificial intelligence will continue to
push the limits of available resources.
The statistics you’ve shared – data centers accounting for 20% of Dominion Energy’s
statewide electricity load and over 50% in NOVEC’s service territory – are alarming and
highlight the urgent need for a thoughtful, proactive approach to managing this
growth.
From an energy perspective, the rapid proliferation of data centers puts an immense
strain on the electric grid. If these trends continue unabated, it could lead to challenges
in ensuring reliable power supply for all customers, necessitate substantial
investments in new generation and transmission infrastructure, and make it harder to
transition to cleaner energy sources. The environmental footprint of this electricity
demand, particularly if met by fossil fuels, is also concerning from a climate change
standpoint.
Beyond energy, the growth of data centers also has implications for other critical
resources like water and land. The cooling needs of these facilities can put pressure on
local water supplies, while their physical footprint can lead to the loss of agricultural
lands and natural habitats.
While I recognize the economic benefits that data centers have brought to the region in
terms of tax revenues, and ancillary business growth, the current pace and scale of
development is not sustainable in the long run. We must find a better balance between
the digital infrastructure needs of our economy and the carrying capacity of our
environmental and community resources.
Over the past decade, there has been insufficient planning and coordination to manage
the cumulative impacts of data center growth in Northern Virginia. Local
governments, eager for economic development, have often approved projects on a
piecemeal basis without fully considering the big-picture implications. State and
regional authorities have been slow to develop comprehensive strategies for
sustainable growth management.
Going forward, requires a more proactive, holistic approach. This should include:
1. Conducting comprehensive assessments of the cumulative impacts of data centers
on energy, water, land, and community resources in the region.
2. Developing regional master plans that identify sustainable growth trajectories, set
efficiency and conservation targets, and guide siting decisions.
3. Strengthening environmental review and permitting processes to ensure individual
projects are rigorously evaluated and held to high standards of sustainability.
4. Requiring data centers to adopt cutting-edge efficiency technologies, renewable
energy sourcing, water conservation measures, and green building practices.
5. Requiring data centers to invest in local infrastructure improvements and
community benefit programs to offset their impacts and ensure more equitable
outcomes.
6. Fostering collaboration between industry, utilities, governments, and community
stakeholders to develop innovative solutions and share best practices.
7. Considering policy measures, such as temporary moratoria on new development, in
areas where resource constraints are most acute until sustainable management plans
are in place.
Ultimately, we must steer the growth of the data center industry in Northern Virginia
towards a more sustainable trajectory – one that balances economic benefits with
environmental stewardship and community well-being. This will require leadership,
collaboration, and a willingness to make tough choices in the short term to secure a
more resilient future.
As a region, we have an opportunity to be a model for sustainable data center growth
to show that it’s possible to meet the needs of the digital economy while respecting the
limits of our natural systems and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.
However, seizing this opportunity will require a significant shift from the status quo of
the past decade. It’s a necessary shift and one I’m committed to advocating for in my
role as a policymaker.
2. The Coalition to Save Prince William County is currently participating in a lawsuit to
block the Digital Gateway, which would site 23 million square feet of Data Centers within a
half-mile of Manassas National Battlefield Park. Will you support Federal legislation to
prohibit Data Centers within close proximity of national parks and historic sites? (Please
provide response here)
Local communities should have a say in the siting of data centers. No town should be
forced to host an energy-intensive data center and should update its comprehensive
plans to clarify limits on land use. At the same time, I know these facilities can bring
benefits, so I will fight for federal resources to help communities thoroughly assess the
pros and cons and make informed decisions aligned with their values and goals.
3. The growth of Data Centers requires the use of additional power plants, mainly
coal-fired and gas-fired, to provide sufficient “baseload” power, thereby nullifying the purpose
of the Virginia Clean Economy Act passed in 2020. Will you support Federal legislation to limit
Data Centers by requiring that they only use renewable sources and comply with the federal
government’s energy star program ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification for Commercial
Buildings | ENERGY STAR? (Please provide response here)
I will push for legislation requiring data centers to become models of energy efficiency
and sustainability. This means mandating the use of renewable energy instead of
electricity generated by fossil fuels and not relying on polluting diesel generators,
updating federal efficiency standards, and providing incentives for data centers to
invest in the most cutting-edge green technologies. Companies must be transparent in
disclosing their energy use.
4. Given the explosive load demand from Data Centers that is triggering transmission
lines which cross not only county boundaries but also state lines, is it appropriate that the
Federal government usurp State authority by designating power corridors under the
jurisdiction of NIETC? (Please provide response here)
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law amended the Federal Power Act to clarify the
Secretary of Energy’s ability to designate any geographic area as a National Interest
Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs) if it is determined that consumers are
harmed or may be harmed in the future, by a lack of transmission in the area and that
the development of new transmission would advance important national interests for
that region, such as increased reliability and reduced consumer costs.
A NIETC designation unlocks critical federal financing and permitting tools to spur
transmission development, including direct loans through the Transmission Facility
Financing (TFF) program, public-private partnerships through the Transmission
Facilitation Program, and Federal siting and permitting authority of the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in certain limited circumstances. Developers
and state and local siting authorities may also be able to use the environmental
analysis conducted by DOE as part of the NIETC designation process to complete local
siting and permitting processes, which could accelerate siting and permitting for
transmission projects in the NIETC designated area.
The initial list includes a portion of Virginia. Through June 24, 2024, DOE is seeking
public input on the scope of eligible projects and project financing requirements.
The national importance and interstate nature of transmission challenges driven by
data center growth provides justification for an increased federal role via NIETC
designation. However, this should be balanced with maintaining a strong voice and
role for state regulators who understand local impacts best. Federal and state
authorities should strive to work collaboratively, not adversarially, to build the energy
infrastructure the nation needs.
5. Public utilities have a cost sharing structure that spreads investments for new
transmission and generation across all ratepayers. Given that the Data Center industry is the
trigger for a significant portion of the new transmission and generation infrastructure, in what
ways do you support a more appropriate cost shift to the data center industry? (Please provide
response here)
There are valid arguments for having the data center industry bear a larger share of the
costs for new transmission and generation infrastructure that is being built to serve
their electricity demand. If data centers drive the need for new infrastructure, they
should pay the cost. Facing full costs will incentivize data centers to invest in more
efficient technology and renewable energy. In some utility jurisdictions, large
industrial or commercial customers already pay higher electricity rates or special
tariffs to account for their unique impacts on the grid. Treating data centers similarly
would be consistent with this precedent.
6. As a federal official, in order to understand the cumulative impacts of the data center
industry demand on power, water, and agricultural land, will you support a comprehensive
report on the impacts to those critical resources? (Please provide response here)
As a representative, I strongly support commissioning a comprehensive report on the
cumulative impacts of data centers on power, water, and agricultural land. Such a
report would inform sound, data-driven policy-making, identify sustainability
challenges and future trends, and assess cumulative, cross-cutting effects at a
regional/national scale. The report would encourage collaboration among government,
industry, and community stakeholders. While we recognize the importance of the data
centers to our businesses and our home use of the internet, we must ensure that
growth of this industry continues only with innovation in data center efficiency, water
conservation, renewable energy integration, and siting practices. It could highlight best
practices and provide a roadmap for more sustainable growth.
7. Please share your understanding of the impacts of data center development on both
ground and surface water resources. How would you address Data Centers’ impervious
surface impacts and water consumption to protect access to clean water? (Please provide
response here)
Data centers can have significant impacts on both ground and surface water resources.
Data centers rely on water for cooling, which can lead to substantial groundwater
extraction rates and use of surface water. This can contribute to aquifer depletion and
reduced water availability for other users, including home use. The impervious
surfaces associated with data centers (buildings, parking lots, etc.) reduce rainwater
infiltration and groundwater recharge. This can alter local hydrology and exacerbate
water scarcity issues.
Stormwater runoff from data center campuses can carry pollutants (oil, sediment,
chemicals) into nearby streams, rivers, or lakes. This can degrade water quality and
harm aquatic ecosystems. Discharge of heated water from data center cooling systems
can raise temperatures in receiving water bodies, which can negatively impact fish and
other temperature-sensitive species.
There are ways to address these concerns. We can require data centers to implement
best practices for water conservation, such as using recycled water for cooling,
optimizing cooling system cycles, investing in waterless cooling technologies, setting
aggressive efficiency targets, and enforcing them through permitting and oversight.
Water quality regulations must include clear standards for the temperature and quality
of water discharges from data centers. Regular monitoring and enforcement are
needed.
In regions with stressed aquifers, we must regulate groundwater extraction for data
centers to ensure sustainable yields. Requiring monitoring and reporting of
groundwater levels and setting extraction limits as needed are steps that can protect
water supplies.
Stormwater control measures, such as permeable pavements, green roofs, detention
basins, and constructed wetlands can capture and filter runoff, promote infiltration,
and mitigate downstream impacts.
Localities determining whether to approve a data center must consider whether they
have adequate and sustainable water supplies. Water resource plans must ensure that
priorities like residential supply, agriculture, and ecosystem conservation are not lost
to the demands of data centers. Implementing these strategies will require close
collaboration between the data center industry, water regulators, local governments,
utilities, and other stakeholders. It will also require significant investment in
water-efficient technologies and infrastructure.
But given the critical importance of preserving clean water resources for communities
and ecosystems, these investments and regulatory efforts are necessary and justified.
By taking proactive steps to mitigate their water impacts, data centers can become
better stewards of this vital resource while still delivering the digital infrastructure our
society needs. It’s a balance that will require ongoing vigilance, adaptation, and
commitment from all parties involved.
8. Provide any additional information that outlines steps you have taken to protect
citizens against data center proliferation. (Please provide response here)
Representing Loudoun County for 8 years in the Virginia House and Senate, I have
toured data centers, met with Dominion Energy, and spent a great deal of time with
constituents and community groups to learn more about data centers and address
concerns. Last year, Loudoun County faced the possibility of brownouts due to the
growth of data centers and insufficient electric grid infrastructure. The data centers
requested a variance from air pollution regulations so that they could meet their
energy needs with diesel generators which would have posed a threat to community
members sensitive to air pollution. I reached out to both the data centers, Dominion
Energy and Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality. These are tough
problems – no one wants to lose electricity or internet access. Fortunately, the data
centers withdrew their request and we did not have brownouts. It is clear that
expansion of and new data centers should only be approved if the electricity is
available, if water supplies are adequate and if water quality can be protected. Siting is
critical as I’ve heard concerns about noise pollution as well.
The explosive growth of data centers presents challenges and we must guide this
growth responsibly. It requires vigilance, collaboration, and adaptive management. By
taking these steps and refining our approach based on emerging data and technologies,
we can harness the industry’s benefits while safeguarding the public interest. Our
region has benefited financially in the form of jobs and revenue from the data centers
but at this time, we must ensure that the benefits outweigh the costs and protect our
communities.
9. Will you use your position as a member of Congress to speak to the issue of data
center proliferation? (Please provide response here)
Yes, as a member of Congress, I will address the issue of data center proliferation and
its impacts on our communities, environment, and critical resources. I will work to
build partnerships between government, industry, academia, and community
stakeholders to collaboratively address the challenges of data center growth. This may
involve convening task forces, hosting roundtables, and facilitating pilot projects to
test innovative sustainability solutions.
I will champion efforts to conduct thorough, scientifically rigorous assessments of the
cumulative impacts of data centers on energy, water, agricultural land, and other
critical resources. I will work to secure federal funding for these studies and ensure
that their findings inform policy decisions. I will fight for federal resources to support
the development and deployment of advanced, efficient data center technologies. This
includes advocating for research and development funding, tax incentives for adoption
of best practices, and support for workforce training programs to ensure communities
can benefit from industry growth.
I will collaborate with my colleagues to draft and introduce legislation that promotes
sustainable, responsible growth of the data center industry. This may include bills to
strengthen environmental review processes, set efficiency standards, establish water
conservation mandates, incentivize green building practices, and ensure that host
communities receive fair benefits. I will vote against legislation to weaken oversight or
fast-track projects at the expense of due diligence.
Recognizing that the data center industry is a global phenomenon, I will work to
advance international cooperation on sustainable development practices. This may
include sharing best practices, harmonizing standards, and collaborating on research
and innovation efforts. As a member of Congress, I intend to be a vocal champion for
policies that drive responsible growth and to use every tool at my disposal to protect
our communities and environment. We can build a sustainable, equitable future – one
in which the digital infrastructure powering our economy is compatible with the health
and vitality of our planet and people.