Residents urge moratorium or zoning to limit data centers, press board for transparency

Dozens of Carroll County residents used the Board of Supervisors’ June 1 "Citizens Time" to press local leaders to halt or tightly regulate data-center development and to demand greater transparency from county economic-development actors.

Speakers raised a suite of environmental and economic concerns, from large electricity and water draws to noise, battery-fire risks and the long-term fate of large facilities if an industry contracts. "Myself and family stand firm on NO DATA CENTERS," read Crystal Adams on behalf of a constituent. Myra Leonard, president of the Carroll County Farm Bureau Federation, warned of impacts on agriculture: "Agriculture is the largest industry in our county and it is the largest employer." Residents asked the board to adopt zoning, community benefit agreements, or a moratorium while rules are written.

Board members responded that no data center has formally applied to build in Carroll County and that, under Virginia law, zoning is the primary tool to control such development. "I have not make any public comments one way or the other as to my desire to have them or to keep them out," said Supervisor Jody Early, describing his current position as "still learning" and encouraging citizens to participate in Planning Commission meetings.

Speakers also criticized perceived secrecy around economic-development negotiations and BRCEDA activity. Several asked the board to require greater disclosure of agreements and to ensure citizens are represented on development boards. County Attorney Steve Durbin advised that moratoriums on land use have been struck down previously in Virginia and that zoning remains the legal avenue to regulate siting, setbacks, water use and related issues.

The board did not vote on any new countywide restrictions on data centers at the June 1 meeting; supervisors scheduled additional discussions and encouraged public participation in upcoming Planning Commission sessions.