Board endorses regional legislative program after debate over data‑center language and subdivision impacts

The Board reviewed the Rapahannock‑Rapidan regional legislative program and discussed whether to endorse it. Supervisors raised three core concerns: (1) language about data centers and the region’s ability to meet rapidly growing electricity demand, (2) school funding priorities such as economies‑of‑scale provisions that could benefit the county, and (3) subdivision‑related changes that should be paired with extended review timelines to allow public bodies enough time for consideration.

Several supervisors described data centers as “the elephant in the room,” warning that large power draws could shift costs to local ratepayers if regulatory language is not explicit. One supervisor noted that the draft program’s final sentence—which aims to make high‑energy facility users responsible for associated costs—should be sharpened to ensure implementation and not rely solely on market forces.

The board discussed the political advantage of endorsing a regional plan rather than sending standalone county comments to the legislature, since a regional endorsement can carry more weight in Richmond. After discussion and suggested edits, a motion to endorse the regional plan carried by voice vote.

Supervisors also asked staff to develop a prioritized “hot list” of county legislative concerns to share with the county’s legislative contractor so that the county’s highest priorities get immediate attention during the session.