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Residents urge Smyth County to ban or impose moratorium on data centers
Summary
Dozens of residents urged the Planning Commission and Board to ban data centers or adopt a moratorium, citing threats to water supplies, noise, wildlife, and community character. Many called for stronger ordinance language, ballot measures, or political action if officials do not act.
Large numbers of residents addressed the joint hearing, urging the county to prohibit data centers or at least impose a temporary moratorium while additional study occurs.
Speakers recounted personal ties to the land and warned of potential harms. Crystal Jennings said the county should deny special-use permits and argued data centers "drain the available water, lowering the water table for miles around," adding that facilities can use "anywhere from 50,000 gallons to 5,000,000 gallons of water a day." Several speakers said the industry brings few long-term local jobs and risks property values and public health.
Other commenters pressed for political remedies: petitions to block permits, ballot measures, and recruiting community members to run for office if officials do not reflect local wishes. A number of young speakers emphasized long-term effects on future generations and urged protecting the county's rural character.
County staff and the Planning Commission took no final action tonight, describing the meeting as a listening session; public commenters were told their remarks would be considered as the Commission refines recommendations to the Board.
