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Virginia Study on Groundwater, Data Centers Calls for Tighter Water Regulations
The report says most new industrial groundwater users would be unsustainable and urges regulators to reject more withdrawal permits.
- On Thursday, Virginia released a long-delayed groundwater study warning that the eastern coastal plain region's water supply "is constrained," with projections indicating declining availability in the near future.
- Advocacy groups criticized the state for withholding the report for six months. With 371 data centers operational and 438 planned statewide according to Cleanview, concerns about the industry's significant water consumption for server cooling have intensified.
- Current groundwater laws are "too permissive" and need strengthening, the report states. It concludes it is "unlikely" a new data center could find reliable groundwater in the region under current conditions.
- Pledging to evaluate findings, Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger will work with the General Assembly on policy. State Sen. Richard Stuart, who commissioned the study, called the summary findings "worrisome."
- Midterm election concerns have made the issue politically explosive. The report recommends requiring developers to examine surface water or reuse alternatives, urging lawmakers to prioritize drinking water for the public.
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Associated Press News+19 Reposted by 19 other sources
Virginia study on groundwater, data centers calls for tighter water regulations
Virginia officials have released a scientific study on the state's groundwater supply and the possible impact of data centers after months of delays and mounting criticism.
·New York, United States
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Chamber Chat: Data Centers Coming to the Eastern Shore?
SALISBURY, Md. – In this week’s Chamber Chat, WMDT’s John Trout and Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce President Bill Chambers discuss the pros and cons of data centers — including whether we’ll be seeing one on the Eastern Shore. Bill tells WMDT that part of the appeal of data centers to communities is the potential economic benefits they can bring....
Coverage Details
Total News Sources22
Leaning Left9Leaning Right3Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Left, 43% Center
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Left, 43% of the sources are Center
43% Center
L 43%
C 43%
14%
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