Data centers are back in the news in Vermont, and I wanted to make sure you saw.
Last Wednesday, VT Digger’s Sean Robinson reported that “Gov. Scott vetoed state regulations on data centers. One of his deputies just urged Congress to pass them.” The article discusses the recent support for a federal bill aimed at limiting water cost increases associated with data centers by Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Julie Moore.
Moore opposed a similar bill introduced in the Vermont legislature last year. In the article, I’m quoted saying “we’re not going to see meaningful federal protections. So, we have to look to what we can do as Vermonters,” especially as Governor Scott continues to oppose “new statewide data center regulations.” I hope you will give it a read.
So what can we do as Vermonters? Another article by Seven Days’ Kevin McCallum highlights how some Vermonters are stepping up to block data centers in their towns.
“Even though most agree that enormous data centers won’t be developed in Vermont,” prohibitions to keep data centers at bay for the time being have now passed in three Vermont communities. Read more here.
Data centers and the challenges they pose to the communities they’re located in are a top-of-mind issue for many Vermonters. If you are feeling passionate, I’d ask that you share these articles far and wide in your communities to keep your neighbors aware of this issue.