Coalition to Protect Prince William County – Questions Relating to Data Centers
For Virginia Congressional 7th and 10th District Candidates
Responses from Krystle Kaul
VA-10 Congressional Candidate
1. Sustainability of Current Electricity Use by Data Centers
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?
Response: The current trajectory of electricity consumption by data centers is not sustainable without significant changes. Data centers are essential for the modern digital economy, but their rapid growth, particularly in northern Virginia, has brought considerable environmental challenges. To address this, I advocate for a multi-faceted approach:
1. Energy Efficiency Standards: Federal regulations should enforce stringent energy efficiency standards for data centers. For instance, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program could be expanded to include more rigorous benchmarks for data center operations.
2. Renewable Energy Integration: Promoting the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, is critical. Policies could include tax incentives for data centers that adopt renewable energy solutions and penalties for those that continue to rely heavily on fossil fuels.
3. Research and Development: Federal support for research into advanced cooling technologies and energy management systems can significantly reduce the energy footprint of data centers. Innovations such as liquid cooling and AI-driven energy optimization can play a crucial role in this regard.
By implementing these measures, we can ensure that data centers contribute positively to our energy goals and environmental sustainability.
2. Data Centers Near National Parks and Historic Sites
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?
Response: Yes, I will support Federal legislation to prohibit the construction of data centers near national parks and historic sites. These areas are vital cultural and natural resources that must be protected from potential environmental and visual impacts caused by large-scale data center developments. Legislation could include:
1. Buffer Zones: Establishing mandatory buffer zones around national parks and historic sites where data center construction is prohibited.
2. Environmental Impact Assessments: Requiring comprehensive environmental impact assessments for any proposed data center within a certain radius of these protected areas.
3. Community Input: Ensuring that local communities and stakeholders have a voice in the planning process to protect their interests and preserve the integrity of historical and natural sites.
This approach balances technological advancement with the preservation of our national heritage.
3. Limiting Data Centers to Renewable Energy
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?
Response: Yes, I fully support Federal legislation that requires data centers to use renewable energy sources and comply with ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification. Such legislation should include:
1. Renewable Energy Mandates: Data centers should be mandated to procure a significant portion, if not all, of their energy from renewable sources. This can be enforced through Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) that set specific targets for renewable energy usage.
2. Incentive Programs: Federal tax credits and grants should be provided to data centers that invest in renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar panels and wind turbines.
3. Energy Efficiency Certification: Requiring data centers to achieve ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification, which includes rigorous standards for energy efficiency and environmental performance, will ensure they meet high sustainability standards.
Implementing these measures will help align the growth of data centers with our national and state clean energy goals.
4. Federal Designation of Power Corridors
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?
Response: This issue highlights the need for a balanced approach that respects both state and federal roles. The designation of power corridors under the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETC) can play a crucial part in addressing the growing energy demands from data centers, ensuring a reliable and efficient power grid.
However, it is essential to maintain a collaborative framework that includes input from state and local authorities to ensure that the development of these corridors aligns with regional priorities and minimizes environmental and community impacts.
I believe that any federal action should be carefully coordinated with state governments to respect local expertise and authority. This approach can help achieve the necessary infrastructure improvements while preserving the rights and interests of local communities.
By fostering cooperation between federal and state levels, we can work towards a solution that supports both the energy needs of our digital infrastructure and the well-being of our communities.
5. Cost Sharing Structure for New Transmission and Generation
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?
Response: The data center industry should indeed bear a fair share of the costs associated with the new transmission and generation infrastructure that their growth necessitates. To address this, I propose the following measures:
1. Infrastructure Investment Fees: Implement fees specifically targeted at data centers to fund the expansion and maintenance of the energy grid. These fees should be proportional to the energy consumption and demand that each data center places on the grid.
2. Cost Recovery Mechanisms: Develop mechanisms where the costs of new infrastructure investments can be recovered from the data centers that directly benefit from them. This ensures that the financial burden is appropriately allocated and not unfairly distributed across all ratepayers.
3. Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage public-private partnerships where data centers collaborate with utility companies to invest in and develop sustainable energy infrastructure. This can include joint investments in renewable energy projects and energy storage solutions.
*Note: I have been a big advocate of public-private partnership building throughout my career at Deloitte, Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, Koniag and GDIT where I worked on efforts to strengthen public-private partnerships. I also was a three year fellow with the Analytic Exchange Program (AEP) which is a public-private partnership sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis (DHS/I&A) on behalf of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)12345. The program facilitates collaborative partnerships between members of the private sector and teams of experienced U.S government analysts to form a number of subcommittees. Specifically, I was selected as the Fellow Lead for Smart Cities and also the Going Dark teams. We covered pressing issues facing our communities, especially data centers and power grid lines.
By implementing these policies, we can ensure that the data center industry contributes its fair share to the infrastructure it relies on.
6. Comprehensive Report on Impacts
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?
Response: Yes, I will support a comprehensive report on the impacts of the data center industry on power, water, and agricultural land. Such a report is essential for informed policymaking and ensuring that data center growth does not adversely affect these vital resources. This report should include:
1. Power Demand Analysis: Assessing the current and projected power demands of data centers, along with the potential impacts on local and regional energy grids.
2. Water Usage and Management: Evaluating the water consumption of data centers, particularly for cooling purposes, and its impact on local water resources. This includes studying the effects on both ground and surface water supplies.
3. Land Use Impacts: Analyzing the impact of data center construction on agricultural land and other land uses. This includes considering the loss of arable land and the potential for increased urban sprawl.
4. Environmental Impact Assessments: Conducting thorough environmental impact assessments to understand the cumulative effects of data center operations on local ecosystems and biodiversity.
By supporting such a comprehensive report, we can develop policies that ensure sustainable growth of the data center industry while protecting critical resources.
7. Impact on Ground and Surface Water Resources
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?
Response: Data centers have a significant impact on both ground and surface water resources, primarily through their cooling needs and the creation of impervious surfaces. These impacts can be addressed through several measures:
1. Water-Efficient Cooling Technologies: Encouraging the adoption of advanced cooling technologies, such as liquid cooling and evaporative cooling, which significantly reduce water usage compared to traditional methods.
2. Green Infrastructure: Implementing green infrastructure solutions, such as permeable pavements, green roofs, and rain gardens, to manage stormwater runoff and reduce the impact of impervious surfaces on groundwater recharge.
3. Water Recycling Systems: Promoting the use of water recycling systems within data centers to reuse water for cooling purposes, thereby reducing the overall demand on local water supplies.
4. Regulatory Standards: Establishing federal regulatory standards that mandate data centers to adopt water-efficient technologies and practices, ensuring they minimize their impact on local water resources.
By taking these steps, we can protect access to clean water while supporting the growth of the data center industry.
8. Steps to Protect Citizens Against Data Center Proliferation
Provide any additional information that outlines steps you have taken to protect citizens against data center proliferation.
Response: As a candidate, I have taken several steps to address the concerns surrounding data center proliferation:
1. Community Engagement: I have actively engaged with local communities to understand their concerns and incorporate their feedback into my policy proposals.
2. Advocacy for Stricter Regulations: I have advocated for stricter environmental regulations that ensure data centers operate sustainably. This includes pushing for federal policies that require data centers to adopt renewable energy sources and improve their energy efficiency standards.
3. Promotion of Best Practices: I have promoted the adoption of best practices in data center design and operation, such as the use of advanced cooling technologies and green infrastructure to mitigate their environmental impact.
By taking these proactive steps, I aim to ensure that data center growth is balanced with the need to protect our environment and communities.
9. Advocacy Against Data Center Proliferation
Will you use your position as a member of Congress to speak to the issue of data center proliferation?
Response: Yes, I will use my position as a member of Congress to address the issue of data center proliferation. It is crucial to find a balance between supporting technological advancements and protecting our environment and communities. My advocacy will focus on several key areas:
1. Sustainable Development: Promoting policies that ensure data centers are developed sustainably, with a focus on reducing their environmental impact through energy efficiency and renewable energy integration.
2. Federal and State Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration between federal and state governments to develop a coordinated approach to data center regulation. This includes respecting local authority while ensuring that national interests in energy efficiency and environmental protection are met.
3. Public Awareness and Engagement: Raising public awareness about the impacts of data center proliferation and engaging communities in the decision-making process. This ensures that the voices of those directly affected are heard and considered in policy development.
4. Legislative Action: Introducing and supporting legislation that addresses the environmental and security challenges posed by data centers. This includes measures to enhance energy efficiency, promote renewable energy, and strengthen cybersecurity standards.
By advocating for these policies, I aim to ensure that the growth of data centers benefits our economy while safeguarding our environment and communities. I want to highlight that I was the Senior Advisor to the Director’s Action Group at the Join Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) through Koniag where I worked closely on improving public-private partnerships on AI/ML. I also worked with CIA’s Center for Study of Intelligence Emerging Trends Technology Division with Deloitte and focused on data centers and the implications on security. I also worked on smart cities efforts as it relates to data centers at Deloitte focusing on cybersecurity and the impact to the environment. I have real world policy experience in emerging trends technology that includes AI/ML, smart cities, IOT and the effects of data centers. If elected, I would bring this unique technology experience and knowledge to Congress.