Nature Forward strongly opposes HB1122. As written, this bill would be a huge step backwards in ensuring local governments can properly manage their land use decisions and update regulations and zoning as needed to respond to current needs. We oppose exempting old development approvals from having to comply with current zoning. When viewed through the lens of the massive data center boom, and the impacts data centers are having, this bill becomes incredibly concerning. We ask you to oppose HB1122.

Please oppose this bill unless it has exceptions for data centers. Corporate interests should not come before public interest.

Hello. My name is Natalie Pien, a 40+ year resident of Loudoun County writing to ask you to oppose HB 1122, Reid. HB1122 is dangerous because it gives too many privileges to the data center industry at the expense of Virginia residents. Virginians are at risk in terms of their: health due to exposure to air and water pollution; their pocket book due to rising electric bills; their drinking water due to data center industrial use of drinking water supplies, including Loudoun County’s 250% increase in potable drinking water between 2019 & 2023; and, but not limited to, loss of globally rare ecosystems, forests and streams, natural topography when data center sites are stripped of vegetation and flattened to accommodate the greatest number of buildings. HB1122 serves the data center industry, not the people of Virginia. Legislators are elected to represent their constituents, not the globally wealthiest industry. Do data centers really need more breaks to develop in any fashion they see fit at public expense? Virginia and Virginians need their interests protected. As legislators, please protect the people and places of Virginia. Thank you.