Dear Coalition Supporters and Friends –
We hope you took time to enjoy this beautiful Virginia weekend. We understand that life can be stressful, especially when it feels like the deck is stacked against you. But that’s exactly when you need to take break and appreciate what’s good in the world!
Which brings us to our recent action that is intended to do JUST that — provide some much-needed space.
The Coalition to Protect PWC, along with a growing list of Prince William community partners, including CABSA, Save Braemar, and the HOA Roundtable, has launched a Pause effort on ANY Prince William County data center development that requires a Board of Supervisors vote to be approved.
Read more about the Pause, and sign the petition at the link below. There is a survey and there is an opportunity to comment with your own thoughts.
Pause Data Centers — Stop Data Center Sprawl in Prince William County
The petition will be sent to the board in batches.
We demand a Pause because there is No Plan.
Dominion Energy has no plan for the energy infrastructure for the amount of data center development that Prince William County and other localities have approved. But Dominion Energy is also culpable for continuing to sign electrical contracts knowing full well they cannot meet the power demand.
PJM New Data Center Grid Reliability Rules After VA Grid Disruption
“PJM Interconnection on Sep. 10 proposed new reliability requirements for large electricity users, including data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities, following a major grid disturbance that exposed risks from sudden load disconnections. The proposal would require large computational loads to remain connected during normally cleared transmission system disturbances, helping prevent abrupt power losses that can worsen grid instability.”
Prince William County has no plan to protect our residents from data center noise, air pollution, eminent domain takings for transmission lines, and a growing threat to critical water resources.
While this study below highlights the Potomac River Basin groundwater study, remember: Prince William County has not completed a comprehensive study on the Occoquan Basin groundwater and aquifers – which provide wellwater for residents in the western part of the county and feeds the Occoquan Reservoir, which is a critical drinking water supply for the rest of the county.
DEQ study throws cold water on data center development east of I-95 • Virginia Mercury
It is obvious to everyone that we are in a crisis. We are feeling the pressure of rising utility bills that impact everyone, while the data centers and their energy infrastructure threaten our homes, our properties, our air and water quality. And their impacts of noise and vibrations continue to grow, threatening our right to peace in our homes and our schools.
We believe our elected leaders must do more – MUCH MORE.
With the adoption of a 12-month pause, our Board of Supervisors can formulate enforceable new regulations to protect RESIDENTS first. Here are just a few recommendations:
- Noise/frequency ordinance for data centers
- Requirements to disclose how many diesel generators
- Lighting standards
- Transmission infrastructure plan (already outlined in our comp plan)
- Substation and switching infrastructure impacts (requires county approval)
- Groundwater study for Occoquan Basin et al
The lawsuit filed by Dominion Energy against the Board of Supervisors is a warning signal. Our Board exercised their legal obligation of oversight and approval, and Dominion Energy is attempting to override the Board of Supervisors’ legislative power.
Citizens held a Press Conference on October 29 at the NTT data center complex. You can watch the Press Conference here on Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19kQoJEs4L/
Local activists call for data center “pause” | Localnews | princewilliamtimes.com
Citizens Announce Petition to Pause Data Center Development County – Bristow Beat
Prince William residents call for 12-month pause on data cen…
“Carylee Carrington, a resident of the Brentsville District, said the board’s September decision to end by-right data center development did not address projects that could continue advancing during a 90-day grace period established as part of the policy shift.”
“Carrington said residents want a temporary pause with clearly established beginning and ending dates, along with a public hearing before the period expires.”
“We don’t want a change of tone. We want a change of direction,” Carrington said.”
–> Sign the petition here.
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DATA CENTER MORATORIUM NOW!
–> NOTE: We have NEW yard signs:
As well as many other different yard signs and t-shirts advocating to protect our communities. Order one today, and start spreading the word to your neighbors!
Please make a donation to help with our on-going activities.