Coalition to Protect Prince William County – Questions Relating to Data Centers
For Virginia Congressional 7th and 10th District Candidates
Answers provided by:
NAME: Eileen Filler-Corn
DATE: June 3, 2024
CANDIDATE FOR: VA-10
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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?
No, the rapid growth of data centers in Northern Virginia raises serious concerns about
sustainability. While data centers are crucial to our digital economy, their immense
power consumption is not sustainable in the long term. We must explore federal
standards to regulate data centers, ensuring they adopt best practices for energy
efficiency and sustainability and protect our national security interests. I will advocate for
policies that mandate energy-efficient technologies, incentivize renewable energy use,
set stringent environmental standards, and ensure our eggs aren’t all in the same
basket (i.e. Northern Virginia) as a vital component of national security. We need to
balance the growth of data centers with our environmental goals to ensure a healthy
planet for future generations.
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?
Yes, I support federal legislation to prohibit data centers within close proximity to
national parks and historic sites. The proposed Digital Gateway, which would place 23
million square feet of data centers near Manassas National Battlefield Park, raises
significant concerns about the impact on our historic and natural heritage. We must
protect these invaluable sites from the environmental and aesthetic disruptions that
such developments can bring. Ensuring the preservation of our national parks and
historic sites is a priority. I will advocate for policies that not only regulate the growth of
data centers but also ensure they are sited in locations that do not threaten our
cherished landmarks. Balancing technological advancement with environmental
stewardship and historical preservation is essential for a sustainable and respectful
approach to development.
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 governments energy star program ENERGY
STAR NextGen Certification for Commercial Buildings | ENERGY STAR?
I support federal legislation that requires a complete transition to clean and renewable
energy for all industries, and data centers are no exception. That’s why, as Speaker of
the House, I led Virginia to pass the Clean Economy Act to put us on a path to carbon
neutrality. In Congress, I would support NextGen Certification requirements and
additional standards to ensure data centers meet environmental standards.
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?
The explosive load demand from data centers necessitating extensive transmission
lines is a complex issue that impacts multiple jurisdictions. While state and local
authorities are crucial in managing local energy needs and infrastructure, there are
instances where federal oversight can help ensure a coordinated and efficient response
to cross-state challenges. The designation of power corridors under the jurisdiction of
the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETC) can be appropriate when
it ensures the reliability and security of our national grid. However, it is essential that
such federal actions are undertaken with significant study. To that end, I am open to
exploring that designation but would need to study the framework of the NIETC further
before committing to support that designation. Perhaps a new framework – not NIETC –
is needed to help regulate data centers. NIETC originally passed in 2005; to say our
energy and data demands are different now would be an understatement.
5) 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?
I support exploring mechanisms to shift a more proportionate share of these costs to the
data center industry. This could include implementing fees to specific to data centers
that reflect their impact on the grid and the need for new infrastructure. Such an
approach would help ensure that the burden of supporting the grid’s growth is shared
more equitably among those driving that growth while also maintaining a fair and
sustainable energy system for all ratepayers.
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?
Absolutely, I support a comprehensive study of the cumulative impacts of the data
center industry on critical resources such as power, water, and agricultural land – and I
would add national and homeland security to that list. Understanding these impacts is
essential for developing effective policies that ensure the sustainable growth of the data
center industry while preserving our natural resources and protecting our nation. In
Congress, I will work to advance this research so we can understand the full scope of
the data center industry’s impact.
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 surfaces impacts and water consumption to protect access to clean
water?
The development of data centers can significantly impact ground and surface water
resources. One major concern is the increase in impervious surfaces, such as buildings
and parking lots, which can lead to greater stormwater runoff and a higher risk of water
pollution. Additionally, data centers can consume large amounts of water for cooling
purposes, including in areas where water resources are already stressed. To address
these impacts and protect access to clean water, we must take a multifaceted approach.
This includes implementing measures to reduce the amount of impervious surfaces,
such as using green infrastructure techniques like permeable pavement and green
roofs. Additionally, we should promote water-efficient cooling technologies and
encourage data centers to use recycled or non-potable water for cooling where feasible.
8) Provide any additional information that outlines steps you have taken to protect
citizens against data center proliferation.
My work on environmental issues has always been guided by a commitment to
protecting our environment and natural resources, and that includes addressing data
center proliferation. In Virginia, I championed the Clean Economy Act, which sets
ambitious goals for carbon reduction and promotes renewable energy. Data centers are
now in direct conflict with that landmark legislation. I have also spoken about my
concerns about data centers at various forums and events across VA-10. Moving
forward, I believe it is crucial to continue advocating for policies that strike a balance
between economic development and environmental protection. This includes measures
to limit the proliferation of data centers. By taking a proactive and thoughtful approach,
we can ensure that our communities remain healthy and vibrant for generations to
come.
9) Will you use your position as a member of Congress to speak to the issue of data
center proliferation?
Yes, I will use my position as a member of Congress to speak to the issue of data center
proliferation. It is crucial that we address the environmental, national security, and
community impacts of unchecked data center growth. I will advocate for policies that
promote sustainable development, including measures to regulate data center siting