Hampton Roads residents and environmental advocates gathered at Town Center in Virginia Beach to call for a statewide moratorium on approvals for new data centers, arguing that Virginia needs stronger environmental and consumer protections before allowing further expansion.
The March for a Moratorium brought together community members and advocacy groups as part of a two-week statewide campaign opposing the rapid growth of large data centers. The gathering also featured a donkey as part of the protest.
Organizers said they want state leaders to temporarily halt approvals while lawmakers develop safeguards addressing electricity costs, water consumption, environmental impacts and local decision-making…