Larry Kovalik

Data Center expansion is the greatest land use challenge facing Fauquier County since the North Wales saga of 1968. Now, as then, our county is on a precipice of change that is fundamentally contrary to the Comprehensive Plan and the values that created and support it.

There are currently four operating or approved Data Centers in Fauquier. Two more are allowed by-right and four more are proposed. Collectively they add up to 8.3 million square feet of data center space. To put this in perspective, it is the equivalent of 128 football fields worth of concrete boxes descending upon our beautiful countryside. Add in the required parking areas and security zones and the size and scale of Data Center development quickly becomes even more concerning and unappealing.

Data Centers are allowed by-right in Business Park zones located in Service Districts (currently one in Remington Service District) and areas zoned for Planned Commercial Industrial Development (currently one in Vint Hill). Only two conditions apply to Data Centers in these zones: The first requires them to use cooling water recycling (closed loop). The second requires that all new power lines, transmission, and substation feed lines be placed underground. It is important to note that these conditions have not yet been challenged in court. It cannot be assumed that they would be upheld in a court ruling or by the Virginia State Corporation Commission, a state agency which has regulatory authority over the placement of transmission lines.

The Comprehensive Plan has four Guiding Principles, each contain several supporting policies. Recognizing that a strong and diverse local economy is necessary for the sustained vitality of the County these policies support technology infrastructure and support business growth in areas designated for development. We are not averse to technology. An important distinction is that Data Centers and their associated support infrastructure are not a technology business, they are information age warehouses.

I oppose the current policy of conditioned by-right development in BP or PCID zones. I oppose any rezonings that would add more land into these zones or more zones into the county.

I support amending the Zoning Ordinance to add Special Use or Special Exception requirements for Data Centers in BP and PCID districts. Doing so would eliminate by-right development and require Public Hearings be held on all Data Centers applications. I support and respect the voice of the citizens of Fauquier when it comes to land use decisions that are so impactful on our community.

When it comes to Data Centers the potential tax revenues are appealing while the potential impacts on our quality of life are appalling. This is a classic balancing act for government and one where the consequences are earth-shaking (literally). Only good planning and commitment to sustaining it can protect us. If elected to represent the Center District on the Board of Supervisors I am committed to maintaining the vision of the Comprehensive Plan. I do not regard 128 football fields worth of Data Centers as being consistent with that vision.