Candidate: Atif Qarni
Date: 5/28/2024
- 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?
I don’t think the current model of growth of data centers is sustainable. I believe we need structured regulations to limit the growth of data centers to reduce adverse impact on the community.
- 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?
I will champion federal legislation to prohibit data centers within close proximity of schools, houses, national parks and historic sites.
- 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 governments energy star program ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification for Commercial Buildings | ENERGY STAR?
I will champion federal legislation to have Data Centers require they only use renewable sources and comply with ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification for Commercial Buildings | ENERGY STAR
- 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?
Yes, in this instance, I believe the Federal government needs to step in and take control of the situation.
- Public utilities have a cost sharing structure that spreads investments for new transmission and generation across all rate payers. 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?
Data centers are taking up more power from the grid, they need to pay extra costs of the amount of power they are usurping. We need to institute a fee structure to any industry putting an extra burden on the grid.
- 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?
I will champion federal legislation to study and produce comprehensive reports on cumulative impacts of the data center industry demand on power, water, and agricultural land.
- 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 surfaces impacts and water consumption to protect access to clean water?
There needs to be a mandatory sustainability plan which lays out all the resources needed to operate data centers including water. Data centers need to have mandates to reduce water consumption.
- Provide any additional information that outlines steps you have taken to protect citizens against data center proliferation.
- Will you use your position as a member of Congress to speak to the issue of data center proliferation?
Yes.