I am an Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Civil Rights. I am signing up ONLY to be called on in the event a Delegate has a question for the Office of the Attorney General regarding HB1616.

It appears that our leaders don't care what's good for the coming generation and they are playing politics with well being of the public. If they can't win at the local level they turn to state level against the wishes of the majority of the Gainesville constituents wishes in favored of PWCDGw projects. It's the same people's who defeated Disney and can't figure out what's going on with the data center in adjacent counties in creating tax base for school children and development. I wish that you review your opposition to PWCDGw in favor of the majority of the public.

As a 30-year resident of Prince William County with intention to retire here on a fixed income, I urge you to please vote in favor of HB 1986. It is based in sensible environmental protection, in particular preserving our area's ability to maintain adequate ground water for residential and commercial use. There are reasonable locations for data centers that will minimize adverse environmental impact while being commercially viable. The long-standing Prince William County's comprehensive development plan is a good guide for how to do this and has been popularly supported since it's inception a few decades ago. Please, in the interest of us residents and taxpayers, vote in favor of HB 1986.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you, Julie Stecco

I am writing to encourage your support for HB1986. The development of data centers in Virginia is not a local issue affecting one county, but can have potentially catastrophic and extensive impacts that are permanent and impact our state and nation. I have a PhD in Regional Planning, and over my career I have conducted many environmental impact assessments. Based on my professional experience it is imperative that the potential consequences of data center development on the environment, our cultural and historic heritage, infrastructure including energy and transportation, water usage and quality, carbon emissions, short-term and long-term economic impacts, agriculture resources, and quality of life must be determined by an independent and qualified entity before a decision is made to proceed with any development project. Therefore, I strongly support the passage of HB1986 to protect current and future generations of citizens from serious negative consequences that cannot be mitigated from inadequately planned and located data center development.

I strongly support HB 1986, we can always zone additional land in the future if additional data center space is needed, once the trees are gone, we'll never get them back. Please support HB 1986, and resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you. Frank Nahlik Gainesville, VA

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. Thank you. Megan

Since after data centers building started by my house I never knew a quiet evening with my family on the deck. It is absolutely outrageous. Amazon Data center built off of Godwin road is so loud that it is hard to get rest at nights with closed new windows. All the forests destroyed and for what??

Once again, I would strongly and sincerely urge you to support HB 1986 regarding stormwater management regulations and enterprise data center operations. Everything in this Bill is common sense. The citizens of Virginia deserve and require the reasonable considerations this bill encourages to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner, while safeguarding our natural resources and protecting our water supply.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you. Steven Amato

I am fully in support of this bill HB 1986 Roem. Anything to stop the growth of more data centers and protect our water .

I fully support bill 1986 and welcome your support for 1986 as well. Thank you.

I approve HB1986. We do not need these data centers near our historic Battlefield nor in our Rural Cresant. There are plenty of other areas where these centers can be built. Why do damage to the land and water and harm the health of our people just to benefit those few who are willing to sell their properties to enrich themselves? So many people do not want this to occur. Listen to the people!! Carol Kovalick

I support HB 1986. I support responsible data center siting in appropriate locations that have the necessary infrastructure already in place.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you. Kim Hudak

-------------------------------------------------------------- I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures. s Thank you.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Sincerely, Paul Cuddihy Gainesville

Since you have postponed your final vote on HB1986, I am hoping you will have more time to realize the common sense legislation contained in it. Specifically in regard to the Prince William Digital Gateway, extra precautionary measures are needed. There has never been such a massive collection of data centers proposed in one location before anywhere in the world. Hopefully, you won’t allow Virginia to be the example of how NOT to do it! Please, please consider all the ramifications of not taking the proper measures when it comes to Stormwater management. Do the right thing and pass HB1986.

I oppose HB1986 - Roem bill- please do not vote for it.

I am strongly opposed to the data centers due to their impact on the surrounding areas.

strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures. s Thank you. Michelle Lovejoy 13742 Charismatic Way Gainesville, VA 20155

Comments Document

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures. Thank you.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures. s Thank you.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures associated with proposed growth. Public safety is paramount. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these unnecessary industrial facilities. Your constituents demand appropriate locations for data center operations. The Commonwealth requires the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering.

DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. - This bill is a direct attack on the property rights of individuals. - Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses.

Approve the PW digital gateway and bring in the data center business to prince William county

Support HB 1986. Years ago a neighbor paved in their townhouse backyard. They needed a place to park a few hobby cars they drempt of repairing but never did. After the first major rain, our back yard flooded (for the first time) and along with it a bunch of fish from our back yard pond. The water carved out a corner of our lot taking the fish🐟 🐟 🐠 on a journey to the neighborhood cats. Free food for the cats destruction of our pond. Let's save ecosystems, the fish and prevent unearthing of historic burials across Virginia. Support HB1986

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you Charlotte Arnoldson

This bill HD, 1986 is prudent policy to ensure safe water, quality of our environment. This is a critical safeguard for the citizens.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you, Linda Whitehead

This bill will finally put some brakes on the runaway infliction of data centers on residential communities. Local governments seem to have drunk the Kool-Aid of tech company promises of untold riches being brought into the community. Land owners being offered millions of dollars for their land adds to the allure. Loudoun County, now one big data center, is finding that the return is not so great, especially after data center have been lured by large tax breaks. Prince William County already has multiple data centers but the current proposed Digital Gateway, the world's largest single hyperscale data center complex, 4 miles long with 70 to 90 massive buildings that are 75 feet high, is atrocious. Those near other data centers complain of the noise, the use of water and electricity, and the reduction of their home values. Digital Gateway will be 1,000 feet from the border of a large residential community, close to a number of other ones and above all, across the street from Bull Run National Park. Please pass this sensible bill. A number of Virginians facing similar "bullying" will thank you.

This bill will finally put some brakes on the runaway infliction of data centers on residential communities. Local governments seem to have drunk the Kool-Aid of tech company promises of untold riches being brought into the community. Land owners being offered millions of dollars for their land adds to the allure. Loudoun County, now one big data center, is finding that the return is not so great, especially after data center have been lured by large tax breaks. Prince William County already has multiple data centers but the current proposed Digital Gateway, the world's largest single hyperscale data center complex, 4 miles long with 70 to 90 massive buildings that are 75 feet high, is atrocious. Those near other data centers complain of the noise, the use of water and electricity, and the reduction of their home values. Digital Gateway will be 1,000 feet from the border of a large residential community, close to a number of other ones and above all, across the street from Bull Run National Park. Please pass this sensible bill. A number of Virginians facing similar "bullying" will thank you.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. KEEP DATA CENTERS OUT OF THE RURAL CRESCENT!!! Thank you.

I strongly support HB 1986 and urge you to do the same. The citizens of the Commonwealth need the critical protection that this bill provides. We cannot allow small groups of citizens in a community to have to fend for themselves when faced with the overwhelming impact that mega data center campuses. Thanks for your attention to this urgent matter.

No permission should be given to avoid regulations and future water needs in a current climate situation we do not totally understand impacts without study and consideration. Do better for the future residents that will be living in northern Virginia. I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

Dear Committee Members, I strongly support HB 1986,. This is a reasonable common sense bill to support prudent environmental measures. There is no “do- over” on the failure to preserve our environment. It’s priceless. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. Thank you!

I support HB1986. The local BOCS has done a horrible job protecting our community and our water. Please approve this bill. This is a nonpartisan effort to protect all the people of Virginia

I am writing to encourage your support for HB 1986. This common sense legislation shall: Require any land disturbance related to the construction, expansion, or operation of enterprise data center operations that is located within one mile of any land (i) owned or operated as a unit of the National Park Service or (ii) designated as a Virginia State Park or state forest to infiltrate, evaporate, or reuse the predicted stormwater runoff volume that exceeds the stormwater runoff volume experienced at such site prior to such land disturbance. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Thank you

Please vote in favor of HB 1986. I know your love of the Rural Crescent and I know that you will work to keep it for the future generations. Thank you, Gary C. Pentek

I urge you to support HB 1986 which serves to protect Virginia’s water resources. This is especially critical for data centers located in watersheds which contain a drinking water supply such as a reservoir or in watersheds where groundwater is the drinking water supply. Properly designed storm water management will prevent erosion and sedimentation. Storm water management should include removal of pollutants harmful to human health and wildlife. Not only should water quality impacts be mitigated, but also water quantity. Data centers require huge volumes of water to cool its infrastructure. Data center operation must not reduce the volume of either Virginia’s surface or groundwater resources. Virginia’s historic resources must be protected as well. This bill recognizes threats that data centers can pose. Virginia lacks guidelines on data center location, energy use, water use, environmental impacts, human health impacts. Given the rapid growth of the data center industry in VA, guidelines are sorely needed. HB 1986 provides one guideline with respect to storm water management. It should be the first among many other state guidelines to properly, safely, economically, equitably, responsibly guide data center development that are consistent with other laws and policies in VA. Data Centers are an essential part of our daily lives. Please make sure they don’t disrupt our daily lives by supporting HB 1986.

Please do not support this bill.

We need a much more rational basis for approving data center locations in the commonwealth. Please support this proposal and bring some common sense back into to dialog.

I appose HB1986, because stormwater regulations already exist on the local level.This bill is overreach of state government, and interferes with local authority.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

Save Our County! I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures.

There is a HUGE DC complex being built right now at the intersection of US 29 & Heathcote Blvd DIRECTLY across from a STATE PARK!!! I used to take my dog to Robinson STATE Park for walks. Now I want to THROW UP!!! What is wrong with people???? Do they not know that we need: Fresh water (not pcb-filled), air , food (grown on the bountiful farmland in VA), trees, plants & animals to live together? If we do not protect this land right now you will regret it because you are taking the same right away from your kids that you enjoyed. STOP THIS INSANITY right now and do something for your kids, my kids & future generations.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized.

I oppose HB 1986. DEQ already has stringent water management requirements already. The amount of stormwater runoff may NOT exceed levels prior to a project commencing. The water quality may not be degraded at all as a result of a project. A SWM Plan is intended to solve any and all potential issues regarding the flow and quality of stormwater

Ladies and Gents of the VA Legislature You are front and center on the stage of VA political action. There are two distinct sides on the issue of HB 1986; protecting the citizens of the area, or lining the pockets of the few as they leave the area. The former will be here to vote for against you in the future; the latter will take their money and run. Support the people: support HB 1986. Your choices are simple: (1) you are either on the side of the vast majority of Prince William County residents, and will vote to limit and constrain Data Center development consistent with good and responsible government and the majority's wishes, or (2) you side with the pure money interests of the few. The supporters of Data Center development lobby heavily to ensure they get a big payday despite the irreparable damage that will befall the tax paying citizens who continue to reside in PWC and Virginia. The pro DC Pageland Lane lobbyists are looking for a big paycheck, and once it is received, they will take their riches and leave our area forever. The DC sponsors and proprietors will relish citizens paying for their DC infrastructure development, suffering enormous environmental damage, and the outlandish tax rates gifted to them by the Prince William County Board of supervisors. The choice is yours, Virginia legislators, are you with the vast majority of citizens who will suffer the consequences of these plans of greed, or are you with the few who will reap huge economic windfall profits?

Pls support this bill 1986

The DEQ already has stringent water management requirements which has been agreed upon by PWDG. Please oppose HB 1986

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. We are living in a climarte crisis and must do everything to protect the environment in Prince William County

Oppose HB1986. With regards to stormwater management, a data center is no different than any other warehouse type of building. The same stormwater management regulations that regulate the construction of warehouses, grocery stores, shopping centers, malls, etc. are sufficient for data centers as well. NO to HB1986

Dear Delegates, I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center siting and operations. As a resident of Prince William County where there are some 75 million square feet of data centers on the books even though the County’s own need study identifies a demand of just about one half of that -- in its most optimistic projection. I am particularly concerned about the development on some 70 massive and noise-generating data center buildings, more power lines and a four-lane highway along the western and northern boundaries of Manassas National Battlefield Park and the eastern edge of Conway Robinson State Demonstration Forest. The square miles of grading, paving and covering represented by the proposed Prince William Digital Gateway will also likely harm regional drinking supplies and call upon state-regulated utilities to provide for an amount of electricity equivalent to that used of the entire State of New Hampshire. I am not against data center development in the County. But, there are more appropriate and suitable locations here than the 2,000-acre rural and historic Pageland Lane site being proposed by the big tech companies QTS and Compass. This land was the location of important and tragic Civil War-era events and the critical history and lasting heritage of post-war African American community development in PW County. The County’s own cultural resource commission recommended against the Pageland/Prince William Digital Gateway for the reasons noted above. Protecting Virginia’s unique and irreplaceable cultural heritage can, indeed, be woven into a more thoughtful and less damaging program of planning for our cyber future. This legislation helps support that. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you!

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures. Let us save Prince William County land, water, and air and please protect wildlife and residents, Thank you in advance for your careful consideration. Ruth Balton

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you. Mark Hopkins

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets.

This is common sense legislation to ensure appropriate environmental measures and appropriate locations for data centers. Responsible data center siting is essential if we are expected to live in harmony with necessary industrial facilities. Please resist voices of those who want to ignore environmentally responsible measures only because of profits. Thank You, Brenda Bain

I support this bill and hope that it will curtail the development of data centers.

I strongly support legislation to enforce common sense rules for data centers in residential areas.

I support Delegate Roem and this bill. Our Board of County Supervisors has rushed through votes on construction and infrastructure for data centers without considering or studying the impact on our water. This means blocking streams, interrupting underground waterways, potentially draining aquifers that feed our wells. Most of the residents in our county are on wells. This bill should be applied across our state to protect our most precious resource — water. Please support this bill. Thank you. Sharon Harvey, Coles District, 52 year resident of PWC.

Please Oppose HB1986. The DEQ regulations currently in place already regulate storm water as it applies to new construction projects. This is an attempt by Delegate Roem to take the power out of the hands of the duly elected local officials who were elected to make land use decisions for their local area. Say NO to HB1986.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

I strongly support HB 1986 PLEASE put us people before profits. Please help save our waters and environment for future generations… Thank you 🙏

We support this bill because preserving National Parks, State Forests, and residential communities is the right thing to do. Notice that those comments opposed to the bill do not attempt to explain why the ruination of National Parks, State Forests, and residential communities is justified.

OPPOSE HB 1986

Comments Document

I support HB1986 | Roem | Stormwater Management Regulations; Enterprise Data Center Operations as the only way to preserve the Sole Source of Drinking Water for currently some 2,000,000 (and many more future) Northern Virginians. Plus the many natural resources and historical sites for all Virginians now and in the future. (Some 7,000,000 annual visitors to the severely threatened Bull Run Battle Field Park alone.) It should be inconceivable that a handful of conscienceless profiteers have gotten this far with the intent to destroy so many lives of Northern Virginians just to enjoy the many millions of dollars being splashed around this one Data Center Fiasco (2,100 acres of Pageland Data Center Land being purchased for as much as $900,000.00 to $1,000,000.00 per acre). One homeowner with a modest house on some 6 acres will receive $6,100,000.00. Too much money affecting too many locals require that the Old Dominion now step-up and take proper control that benefits all current - and many more future - Virginians for current and future Data Centers that may occupy Old Dominion land. These financial atrocities devastating the lives of so many regular Virginians will only repeat and then repeat again once the Data Centers realize that no-one is regulating them - and that millions of dollars will still continue to so easily and quickly corrupt so many "Good Folks".

DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. OPPOSE HB 1986

This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. OPPOSE HB 1986

Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses. OPPOSE HB 1986

Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. OPPOSE HB 1986

Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. OPPOSE HB 1986

Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. OPPOSE HB 1986

Please pass this legislation. I am not opposed to data centers but I am opposed to developing land in a way that damages our communities. Data centers do have an impact on the environment and no one wants their development to create a long term problem to our environment. We need to help ensure their development is done in a responsible way. This bill helps to put in place measures to ensure the impact of data center development does not degrade where we live. Current requirements don’t cover it and this legislation helps to close that gap.

Oppose HB1986

This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. OPPOSE HB 1986

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations.  Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities.  Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets.  Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. I want my grandkids and future generations to enjoy the beautiful rural crescent in Gainesville, VA Thank you.

I strongly support HB 1986. Our environment is the most important resource we have and we must do everything in our power to protect it. What will happen if we continue to build and build and destroy the environment? Especially when we are building data centers which will probably be obsolete in a few years. Yes we will likely always need storage for data, however I assume the buildings will be much smaller in the near future. Please support HB1986 and do not allow our county to be destroyed due do some wealthy landowners and big businesses. Thank you

I urge you to reject HB 1986. The bill is not about water safety or management. It is an attempt to circumvent the good policy adopted by the Prince William County Board of Supervisors. HB 1986 is antagonistic to the data center developers and, if passed, will discourage future investment anywhere in Virginia. This is not the right policy or tone for a business-friendly state. On the merits, the water issue near the Battlefield is a red herring. Other development of farmland near the Battlefield (e.g., 1000 home subdivision) will bring similar, if not more dramatic, water runoff concerns. The Bill is targeting data centers not because they pose a bigger water management threat (they do not) but because its supporters are irrationally against data center development. The tax revenue generated by data centers is very large and good for the County and State. The services needed by a data center are very low, unlike other development options. Data centers are an ideal business to bring into Virginia. I am a rural-loving person and I support data centers near the Battlefield. I say this not because my 5 acre home will potentially be sold to the data center developers, but because I would rather live next door to a data center campus than to a high density housing subdivision. Indeed, around here high-density subdivisions are the default development of farmland. For 20 years I feared the 140 acre farm next door to me being converted into housing. Unlike the data center campus, a housing development spreads the building out over the entire land, which would bring many houses 40 feet from my fence line, spaced every 60 feet apart, and extending along paved streets as far as the eye can see. That is not rural and it brings tremendous traffic congestion and noise. But if a data center campus is built on that land, I likely would not see or hear it. The trees along my fence line would remain and the large data center building would be hundreds of feet away and not merely tens of feet as a housing development would. The data center brings no traffic congestion or people. The same is true for the Battlefield. Many houses crowded up against the Battlefield and the constant motion and sound of cars will degrade the tranquility of the Park. A data center campus does not bring the traffic, and importantly prevents any other development, such as housing or retail, from encroaching on the Battlefield. Ironically, the supporters of HB 1986 have it backwards. A data center provides the least disturbance to the rural tranquility from all other development options, especially housing development. Please vote against HB 1986. It is bad policy from every angle. Virginia should keep attracting data centers and not make up after-the-fact arbitrary hurdles, as this Bill does, to discourage them.

I strongly support bill 1986 put forth by delegate Roem. The citizens of Prince William County, especially Gainesville, have been subjected to losing their quality of life at the hands of a few people who stand to make millions of dollars at the expense of the environment, climate, drinking water, watershed, light and noise pollution to name a few. We have totally been at the mercy of a vocal minority who will move away once they have their millions and leave the citizens of Prince William County to hear the burden of additional energy costs to support a short term solution that will be obsolete in a few years. It makes absolutely no sense to destroy the environment and peoples' lives just to satisfy the egos of an informed and uncaring board of supervisors. Delegate Roem's bill protect the environment, quality of life and PWC citizens from insane decisions in the future. Please support this bill so that sane decisions can be made as to the placement of future data centers

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations.  Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities.  Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets.  Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

Oppose HB1986. There are already regulations in place for stormwater management. So NO to HB1986. Thank You.

I oppose BH 1986 sponsored by Delegate Roem. This bill is both unnecessary and unfair. It is unnecessary becasue DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and unfair because it targets one specific project. Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. This bill is a direct attack on the property rights of individuals. Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses.

Help save Prince William County from the corrupt current board of supervisors and their friends. Vot Yes on HB 1986! I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you. Sign

Hello. I OPPOSE HB 1986. This is not common-sense, it makes No-sense. There have been a hundred datacenter projects in Virginia and the PWDG should not have any different stormwater regulation. This bill is nonsense made up by a small group of people in opposition to the PWDG. This is a local issue, not a State issue. the Local PWC government has already voted for these datacenters and the State shoul not interfere in local matters.

Please support HB1986. Building data centers in areas where they have a detrimental effect on the land and the water is a hugely bad decision. In your positions as protectors of our Commonwealth, you must temper the desire for industrial tax revenue with the necessity to protect the land and the access to clean, unpolluted drinking water for all the citizens. This bill goes a long way toward that goal. Those of us who support this bill are not, as some have claimed, rabidly against data centers being built in our communities. We are asking you to be mindful of their influence on their surroundings and pass legislation to protect the citizens of Virginia.

I am a Western Prince William County resident and I implore you to support Danica Roem's House Bill 1986. It is needed to help proctect not only our environemntal, historic and cultural assests but also the quality of life for all Virginians. Data Center development should not be done at the expense of your constituents, despite the claims of the "greater revenue" to be generated. My quality of life is already being impacted due to the massive proliferation of these centers in western Prince William County.

As a native from birth to Northern Virginia I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense in regards to environmental impact and more appropriate locations for data centers. Data centers should be constructed in designated industrial areas to ensure a healthy and liveable balance for generations to come. The citizens of Virgina must be assured through this bill that the growth of this industry is managed in a manner that protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used together with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. Please resist influences by those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures. Thank you.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

This bill is a blatant attempt to derail the PW Digital Gateway. - DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. - This bill is a direct attack on the property rights of individuals. - Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses.

I strongly support HB1986. This is a common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. PWC had originally set aside and zoned 'for the data centers' at a different location within Prince William. The fact that today data centers now are being built with all of the environmental and historical impacts disregarded is alarming to say the least. And, how many have been built to date where originally zoned?, ZERO. The zoning was changed in Gainesville/Haymarket without community communication/awareness behind closed doors. This unethical and greedy change of venue has and continues to disrupt the area. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Please re-visit the land that was previously zoned for data center. The Thank you.

Please protect my backyard, Broad Run. Broad Run is a small stream that provides so much to our community from water to the wildlife to a place where children learn to fish. Majestic bald eagles can even be seen swooping down for both water and fish. Nothing is more important to the environment/ecosystem than the quality of our water. The stormwater that fills Lake Manassas and Broad Run needs to be protected as lives depend on the water.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you Chris Haskell

I am strongly in favor of this bill which would restrict siting of data center locations to regions which do not impact the environment unfavorably. In fact a very large majority of residents in PWC are also in favor of this bill. Most of the comments opposed to this bill by others in this list are from land owners along Pageland Ln who have already signed contingent land sale contracts to data center developers. Only the greedy residents are opposed….most citizens comprising 80 homeowner associations in PWC favor Danica’s bill bill. Please also consider it favorably.

Dear Subcommittee Members, As a landowner who is located on the proposed PW Digital Gateway site I can attest firsthand on the suitability of the area for data center development - and the need for the IMPROVED storm water management that will be STRICTLY ENFORCED as the area is developed. We all have "alternative" septic systems, required due to the impermeability of the soil. As a result rainwater picks up surface contaminants and runs downstream in unsightly stagnant marshes and creeks. The misinformation and political attacks of the opposition, including this proposed bill, are appalling and in direct conflict with what is best for the county and it's residents. I urge you to reject this bill in it's entirety. Sincerely, Dr. Patrick Hewitt, Gainesville

I am writing to voice my oppositions to HB 1986 and request your opposition also. DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. Please vote to terminate this bill. thank you. Joel Wilkins Gainesville, VA

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

Reading some of the comments, I am amazed at the petty accusations of "unfettered profiteering" by Pageland landowners.  And how unfair are their demands for those folks to declare what they might be selling their land for.  Are you kidding me?  How about they announce how much money they made from selling their homes in Fairfax to move here?  I don't care if you are for or against this bill, but his is a new low, even for them.  Just shows you how jealous they are. .And Del. Roem, this is all about getting the votes for your Senate run. We don't want you as a Delegate, and we sure don't want you as a Senator.  Not when you only meet with and incite the opponents to the Digital Gateway, but don't even make n effort to talk to those who support it. I called Del. Roem's office a few months ago and she didn't even have the courtesy to call me back. As a former reporter, I would think you would have the tools and know how to get both sides of the story.Oh yes, but she's a politician now and the rules have changed.

I SUPPORT HB1986. Virginia is rich in historical and natural resources throughout the state. With the recent announcement from Governor Youngkin that Amazon is looking to invest $35 Billion in data centers throughout Virginia over the next 20 years, it is prudent to have restraints in place to protect our history and our environment. It is a SMART vote for Virginians as a whole to SUPPORT HB1986. Protect our HISTORY and our ENVIRONMENT over GREED.

The DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to storm water management. This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. This handful of VERY vocal opponents, none of whom will be in eyes hot of, hear data centers or have their water affected by them, along with national preservation organizations -- do NOT represent the majority of Prince William County residents. This bill is a direct attack on the property rights of individuals, especially farm and land owners. Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the citizenry and business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects and land owners and punish them for no good reason.

I have lived in the greater Manassas area for over 40 years. The beauty and history offered by this area are what has been most appealing. It is a travesty to think that the hallowed ground of the Manassas Battlefield will be overtaken by environmental monsters such as the proposed data centers. The data centers proximity to residential communities will have health issues created by the constant noise as well as the impact on the quality of our water supply and electrical usage. Please be mindful of future generations that will live in this area.

I OPPOSE bill Hb1986. This an obstructionist bill that is unwise and unnecessary. This project will bring in such tremendous revenue for our county. Our schools, essential workers, lawn enforcement etc. The entire county should not lose this opportunity based on the small minority that oppose development!

Vote NO on HB1986. There is absolutely no reason that data centers should be treated any different than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. Existing DEQ regulations already exist and are in place. Say NO to HB1986. Thank You

I oppose HB 1986

Comments Document

Strongly support HB1986. WE NEED REGULATION NOW PLEASE...Please see the Fairfax Water letter attached, which supports protection of drinking water from industrial development in watersheds and implored Prince William County (PWC) Supervisor's to study impacts first, and let the science inform major land use decisions. It advocated for water science study to inform the PWC Supervisor's major land use decisions: 3 Comp Plan amendments in review simultaneously. Our Supervisors very sadly pressed on, not waiting for the "science". Data Center development proposals are so HOT in PWC, developers have been lining up land purchases while the regulatory protections for neighborhoods, environment, and historical resources at local and state level are non-existent or in their infancy. Reckless land use decisions were made by PWC Board of Supervisors BEFORE the water study impacts are reported. This, along with a very low computer tax rate, has lead to data center sprawl, ALL in a vacuum of essential ordinances and regulations to protect neighborhoods, schools, water supply, etc. Please regulate data center siting - our County is not and has been unresponsive to hundreds of citizens demanding that they be responsible stewards of land and of the purse. Thank you.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that the growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner that protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I can understand how attractive the potential for additional revenues can be for a county - even where one might overlook or look the other way in order to jump on the bandwagon, but not learning from other counties' experiences, challenges and struggles is irresponsible. Those counties that have embraced these types of facilities for some time, such as Loudoun, have now taken a step back and slowed progress because of issues, resources, and learned knowledge after years of moving forward. This bill will help prevent personal gain and irresponsible actions with regard to managing resources and making good decisions. I urge you to resist the voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you. Trisha Sitnik

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

I oppose Bill HB 1986. DEQ already has stringent requirements on storm water management and I have full confidence in the Prince William County Board of Supervisors to do what is best for the residents of PWC. Please do not move this legislation forward.

I’m strongly oppose HB1986! There are already DEQ stormwater management regulations in place that apply. Say NO to Delegate Roem’s HB1986.

Comments Document

I’m submitting IBEW local 26’s response to a Senate companion legislation to HB 1986. Local 26 is adamantly opposed to HB 1986 for resins stated in the attachment.

Dear Committee Members, I am totally against Bill HB 1986 and the attempt by opponents of this specific project to circumvent the vote of the Prince William Board of Supervisors and removing local control on land use cases. There is existing stringent storm water management requirements already in place which need to apply equally to all commercial development. By singling out this specific project is unfair at best. Please do not allow this bill to move forward. Your help in stopping this harmful legislation is greatly appreciated.

I oppose HB 1986 Sincerely, Robert Ait

I oppose HB 1986 Sincerely, Elizabeth Ait

I do not support this bill or the passing of it. I request that you consider the ramifications of an economy in decline and it's impact on Virginia's revenue in the coming years, this bill would infringe and possibly halt many projects which would greatly benefit our state and many social welfare programs therein.

Please vote yes on HB 1986!

I support HB1986. Please protect the federally endangered species.

It appears that our leaders don't care what's good for the coming generation and they are playing politics with well being of the public. If they can't win at the local level they turn to state level against the wishes of the majority of the Gainesville constituents wishes in favored of PWCDGw projects. It's the same people's who defeated Disney and can't figure out what's going on with the data center in adjacent counties in creating tax base for school children and development. I wish that you review your opposition to PWCDGw in favor of the majority of the public.

Dear Committee Members, I strongly oppose Bill HB 1986 as the sole purpose of this bill is to prevent and target a specific project and industry from moving forward. Data centers are no different pertaining to storm water management from any other commercial development and with the DEQ already having stringent storm water management requirements this bill should not move forward. Respectfully, Mrs. Cosgrove

I’m writing in strong support of HB 1986. In the last few years, there has been a mad rush by internet companies to identify “suitable” locations in Northern Virginia to construct data centers. For the developers, “suitable” means a location in close proximity to power and communications lines; all other concerns (proximity to residential or historical buildings or sensitive environmental areas) seem to be subordinate to proximity to power and data lines. HB 1986 attempts to protect interests that are impacted by data center construction. I ask you to vote for HB 1986 and support the many people that would be impacted by such developments instead of the few that would benefit. Thank you. Stephen Chulick President Western Fairfax County Citizens Association

Oppose 1986

I strongly support HB 1986. Federally endangered species are living in our streams and much of our ecosystem is being threatened by storm water runoff due to the MASSIVE plans of construction in this area. This has nothing to do with not wanting economic development, this has to do with making irresponsible and irreversible decisions. Please vote in agreement with HB1986.

To whom it may concern: I strongly disapprove of extending the proposed data centers in land next to Manassas Battlefield and the Occoquan Reservoir!! There are already areas approved for additional data centers, which is suitable for maintaining them. I am fearful the water supply in the Occoquan Reservoir, is not being protected by The Board of County Supervisors!! Please DO NOT APPROVE these data centers as proposed!! Thank you! Kathy Shartzer Woodbridge, Va 22192

I support HB 1986 which I believe promotes wise environmental measures and favorable locations for data centers. This bill would required reasonable safequards to ensure that the growth of the data industry is properly managed. I urge you to resist those who oppose HB 1986. Thank You, Keith Roland

I strongly urge you to OPPOSE HB1986. Current regulations are more than sufficient and already apply. There is NO need for additional regulations. Vote NO on HB1986.

Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Virginia's historical sites are America's history, we must protect and preserve them! We must not allow outside industry to come in and influence local politicians. Listen to the citizens! Protect the 27,000 wells in the rural areas, our watershed, our public water source for over 600,000 residents. Thank you! Lori Fenn

I believe that DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. This bill is a direct attack on the property rights of individuals. It is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases.

Good afternoon and my name is John Bloxton and I have been a resident in the Prince William County area since May, 1980. I have lived in Catharpin since fall of 1982. I was born in Washington, DC and have lived in the Northern Virginia area all of my life. We have four generations on this farm and we love it here. Catharpin was always meant to be a farming community, rural and pristine. Gas and grocery at Alvey's Store plus a Post Office was all we ever wanted. I remember back when Disney came and we beat them. I remember fighting the parkway and the power lines too. Each time it was an outside force coming into our community wanting to drastically change the landscape without the support of the people who lived here. We won twice and lost once (the power lines). And now because of those power lines we're presented with the proposition of data centers. Yes it would be a broad sweeping change for the area but there's a big difference... this time the residents are welcoming that change. The sweeping changes that Prince William County wanted to avoid with the rural crescent designation happened anyway. A new housing development here, then later a shopping center there, and nobody minded those upgrades because they were in Gainesville or Haymarket. I remember when Toll Brothers built old Route 15 into a 4 lane divided highway. Thousands of homes were being built in Heritage Hunt and they were the new kids on the block. The rural crescent was always meant to be a temporary injunction on residential and commercial development. The growth in Fairfax, Loudon, and Prince William Counties has been tremendous. All locations drastically grew their residential footprints, they attracted businesses to provide tax revenues and used that money to build an infrastructure to support their population. Meanwhile, Prince William County reaffirmed the rural crescent policy to maintain a farming community. The new homes in Catharpin are $1M houses sitting on the required minimum 10 acre lots and the owners play the land-use game with the county to reduce their taxes. The truth is this stopped being a rural farm community some time ago and became a bedroom community for commuters. It's not a question of building thousands of homes that will further increase our traffic problems. And it's not a situation where an outside entity is trying to exploit the residents of Pageland Lane. This is an initiative started by us, we the people who have lived here for 30 or 40 or 50 years, to leave this area which has grown up around us over time. The benefits of job creations, tax revenues, and landowner support will make this an easy win for everyone. In closing, I want to make it clear that my family and friends who are residents along Pageland Lane support the proposed data center changes to the Comprehensive Plan for Prince William County.

I support HB 1986. The degradation of the environment is at stake and the BOCS has not done their due diligence, shortchanging the residents in the process.

SUPPORT HB1986 Regarding economic growth and development; There is a way to demand environmentally responsible growth and development which will then translate to assisting your children rather than creating a larger mess for them to clean up. The initial impact of something like this is use, overuse and abuse of the public facilities. Troubles will increase, not decrease and last for a questionable number of years. The storm run off for 90 Data Centers is an extremely large surface of Limestone and other materials. This is 2.5 Ronald Reagan Airports we are talking about. The storm runoff temperature for something like this will shift the ECO balance in the rivers. In order to address your immediate financial needs, simply raise the Data Center taxes from 1.8 to be the same as Loudon County at 4.5

Please do not support this bill it is unfair to target an industry with special restrictions because you do not like them. We must be fair to all business so we can have a diversified tax income. Our state needs commercial revenue so that taxpayers are not load down with tax payments, that they cannot afford especially the elderly like me. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

I strongly support this Bill as it is a logical provision to protect the watershed, noise level and sanctity of our historical sites. Prince William County is being deluged with large Dats Centers with no consideration for our environment or the needs of our citizens. This bill can mitigate many of our concerns.

I strongly support HB 1986. Don't allow profiteers to dismiss sensible environmental measures intended for the benefit of all citizens.

I OPPOSE HB1986

DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. This bill is a direct attack on the property rights of individuals. Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering.

I oppose regulation applied differently to people based on specific areas of living but not to whole watershed areas.

Data centers are not green. They are energy hogs and they are ugly. Please support HB1986!

As a member of the HOA Roundtable of PW County and member of the Board of Directors for Piedmont Home Owners Association, representing over 1600 families, I/we strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. The vote and leadership by the PWC Board of Supervisors can be characterized as "immature" at best. Despite being warned by numerous professional organizations to at least delay the vote because critical environmental and related studies were incomplete or not even conducted, the Board of Supervisors, and Chair Wheeler specifically, passed the vote to build subj Data Centers along Pageland Rd. She did not listen to any recommendations of the professionals and disregarded the overwhelming majority of her constituents who demanded the data centers not be passed. As a retired Naval officer of 28 years who has intimate experience in leadership and management, her leadership style and actions would have gotten any officer fired at an early stage due to "loss of confidence to command". I implore you to right the wrong the Count Supervisors have made. Thank you.

Comments Document

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. As the HOA President of community suffering the health impacting affects of continuous noise from the Amazon Tanner Way data center, I understand the real-world issues which result from close co-existence of data centers and our 30-year old once quiet neighborhood. Please see the attached noise chart. Noise ordinance violations continue daily with no end in sight. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

These data centers are skirting all the due diligence and are thirsty to gobble up all the beautiful free space in our county. Put data centers in INDUSTRIAL ZONES where they belong! Let's "recycle" all those old unused spaces ALREADY in our industrial overlay districts. This is a ridiculous waste of our green space!

Oppose Delegate Roem’s HB1986. There are already existing stormwater management regulations in place that are more than sufficient. From a stormwater management perspective, data centers are no different than any other new development. Precipitation and storm water does not distinguish between a Data center, a Walmart, a school, a shopping center, or any other development for that matter. Existing DEQ regulations are already in place to ensure proper management and control of storm waters. Please Vote NO on Delegate Roem’s HB1986. Thank You for your time and service.

As a teacher I am adamantly opposed to this bill whose sole objective is to kill economic growth and tremendous local tax revenues that Prince William County’s educators and school children desperately need. VOTE NO!

SUPPORT HB 1986! The Data Centers belong in INDUSTRIAL ZONES not near national parks , elementary schools or neighborhoods! Let's be SMART about growth, Virginia!

SUPPORT HB 1986! The Data Centers belong in INDUSTRIAL ZONES not near national parks , elementary schools or neighborhoods! Let's be SMART about growth, Virginia!

SUPPORT HB 1986! The Data Centers belong in INDUSTRIAL ZONES not near national parks , elementary schools or neighborhoods! Let's be SMART about growth, Virginia!

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering, while choosing to lend a blind eye to all the many salient and established devastating environmental, ecological, water usage, waterways, agricultural, financial and studied land use ramifications. I do support common sense and thoughtful development. Extract the financial benefits offered to the very few, and those in opposition may well find a way to support this legislation. Thank you.

SUPPORT HB 1986! No need to rush! Let's have common sense measures and let constituents be INVOLVED unlike the way the local Board of Supervisors (Anne Wheeler in particular) has been handling things!

I ask that you vote, ‘Yes’, for HB1986 to protect quality of life, water quality and quantity, National, State, and County Parks, and the general environment and protect our communities from industrial sprawl and unfettered data center development and power tower construction. What is happening in Prince William County and other parts of Virginia is ‘death by a thousand cuts’; each data center complex approved without consideration of the whole. As Loudon and others are learning, the tax revenue, permanent jobs, etc. generated by data centers are not what the developers sold them on and are not sustainable as data centers age out quickly. Expectations are that these massive warehouse data centers will be outdated by 2025; many of those being approved today won’t even be built or occupied by then. We will be left with a data center ‘rust belt’ as the technology moves on. We should be planning, preparing, and seeking the next S-curve of data technology, not riding the tails of one that is expiring. There are many new technologies that are on the verge of readiness that won’t require the massive and invasive structures and impacts of the current data center and power technology being proposed, planned, approved, and built in Virginia. Development is important but it must be well considered in conjunction with the totality of plans and their impacts and benefits. It must be truly beneficial to the community, and environmentally, economically, and life quality sustainable. Please vote to support HB1986 and other bills with like intentions. Regards, Mary C REILEY 17234 Stormy Drive Haymarket, VA 20169 571-276-8126 Reileymc@gmail.com

I strongly support HB 1986. Innovation and jobs are extremely important but need to be balanced against quality of life for current residents and preservation of green and historic spaces. Those who only see dollar signs in the short-term need to consider the long-term impact on our communities. If people move away because of these eyesores and the noise and environmental pollution they create, we have gained nothing. Lawmakers must ensure that these projects are managed in a prudent manner which protects our communities, natural resources and historic areas. Thank you.

HB 1986 authorizes data centers in appropriate places. It protects areas of special concern. Please support this bill.

VOTE NO on this bill. Existing DEQ standards are sufficient. This is a bad bill that will hurt Prince William County’s local economy specifically teachers first responders and our school children. Again Vote NO!

Dear Subcommittee members, Please OPPOSE HB 1986. This bill is merely an attempt to delay or halt progress on the Prince William Digital Gateway, a project which has already been supported by the PW County Planning Commission, and the PW Board of County Supervisors. The project will provide over $400,000,000 dollars of revenue, more than half going to schools, provide thousands of needed jobs, and propel the county to a position of leadership within the region. Various studies have been done showing the project abides by DEQ's stringent stormwater management standards. To treat this project differently than other commercial development projects would be unfair, create a legal nightmare, and set a bad precedent of diminishing local control over future development. Please vote for a better future for the citizens of PW County and OPPOSE HB 1986. Thank you, Dave Cerri 5304 Pageland Lane Catharpin, VA 20143

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

I OPPOSE HB1986

I oppose this bill. In my 82 years I’ve never seen a more obstructionist effort to kill hugely valuable local economic growth. This bill is not good for Prince William Co or Virginia. Vote NO on this bill.

OPPOSE HB1986

Please oppose HB 1986 as Data Centers shouldn't be treated differently than other commercial developments. Sincerely, Linda Simpson

Please oppose HB 1986 as Data Centers shouldn't be treated differently than other commercial development for stormwater management. Sincerely, Higdon Simpson

Comments Document

I strongly support HB 1986, which proposes reasonable safeguards for the placement and management of data centers. Virginia is a big state. Not every data center needs to be shoe-horned into a small area that is reeling from the detrimental effects of over-development. See the attachment for one locality’s recommendation, that was regrettably ignored. If such prudence cannot be reasonably expected, it must be legislated. Thank you.

Please oppose this bill. It is unfairly targeting a single data center project in an attempt to circumvent the PWC board of county supervisors decision. This is all being driven by a very small but vocal group doesn’t represent the needs of the whole county. Thank you

Please oppose HB 1986 as Data Centers shouldn't be treated differently than other commercial development for stormwater management. Sincerely, Jennifer Simpson

I oppose Rome’s Bill, HB1986, in that it targets one specific project and sends the message that our VA legislators can and will ruin you if they feel like it. This bill does not represent the desire of the majority of the constituents in Prince William County. We had opportunity to speak to our elected officials and they then made a decision based on what was best for our county. It is inappropriate for the state to then attempt to overturn that decision simply because they feel like it. Please let common sense and the sense of fairness win out over political bullying. Oppose HB1986 and the performative shenanigans Roem is attempting in overturning our local decisions for our county. Thank you!

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

I’m in favor of the 1986

I opposed HB1986, please vote NO.

My neighborhood is about 4 miles away from Pageland Lane where they are trying to build new data centers. My neighbors and I are all for data centers there. This House Bill 1986 should be stopped. It will take away the ability for dc's to pay for development, thereby stopping them or at the least delaying them. We need the tax revenue and the jobs now. This bill will cause Pr Wm to be closed for dc business. We don't want that. And I would think the State wouldn't want to give up the tax revenue either.

I oppose HB1986 for the following reasons: - DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. - Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses.

I strongly support HB1989. This bill is not anti-data center- it is “anti”-letting data centers dictate how they will or won’t protect our environment. This bill encapsulates everything this country as a whole has learned from the explosion of data centers- reasonable precautions need to be in place. This bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets, thus protecting what makes Virginia- Virginia. Protecting our environment should be an easy YES.

Hastily approving data center projects in the Commonwealth without conducting studies to determine the effects on watersheds and the environment is simply irresponsible. I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases.

I oppose HB1986. Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases.

I support HB 1986. This legislation incorporates strong safeguards against inappropriate data center siting that will lead to the degradation of the resources within the parks and forests maintained by the NPS and VOF. Massive data center construction projects sited within one mile of these public lands pose an unacceptable risk to local and regional water resources and carry other negative environmental ramifications for these important public access properties. The citizens of Virginia deserve the protections that HB 1986 provides.

I oppose HB1986

Dear Delegates, I would like to have you vote against the creating of a Dats Center in Prince William County western area off Pageland Drive. It is too close to our National Battleground! Can nothing be preserved of our countries history? A data center at that location is unnecessary and only adds to the noise and pollution of our crescent property. Money is always the motivation for destroying our natural areas. The effects on our environment have not been fully explored. It’s just being rushed !! Please vote NO! Thank you, Sincerely, Karen Wilson

OPPOSED HB1986

I oppose HB 1986

I am opposed to HB 1986 This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. The DEQ already has stringent storm water management and to target one specific project is unfair. Prince William County, would benefit from the increase in corporate tax revenue, this project provides.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

I wanted to sign up to speak remotely, but see sign up is now closed, so am sending my comments instead. I do not support HB1986. I'd like to give some perspective. The Gainesville Crossing dc complex is right now being built in virtually the exact same circumstances and location as the PW Digital Gateway.: on Pageland Lane and between the Battlefield and the State Forest. When our BOCS approved that, I didn't hear Delegate Roem or Senator Petersen or any of the people or groups who are now opposing the Gateway speak out against it. It seems obvious to me that all of a sudden they now care because a group of privileged retirees are afraid they might see the top of a DC. And, come on....water quality? Don't we already have very strong water requirements. And hasn't our county done enough studying? I was glad Gainesville Crossing was approved, and i hope we get more dc's along Pageland. Forget the nimbies. I don't live on Pageland but I sure would like tax relief and a job.

I support the HB1986 bill. We need to be smart with where we plan to put these Data Centers. The environment around the Data Centers will not be good for our environment. Please listen to the residents that plan on being here for the long haul, not the ones that will leave us with the mess with their fortunes!!!!! Thank you

Oppose HB 1986 -The Potomac Local just announced " Data center developers turn their eyes to Stafford". This bill will KILL that opportunity for us. Tell Delegate Roem to get her nose out of local land use issues. Stafford County wants Data Centers and we don't want the State Legislatures trying to kill this commercial tax base.

Comments Document

Regarding the comments of "30 retirement residents who are opposed" & DEQ having stringent storm water guidelines; This is the rest of the story *There are 30 Nature Conservancy Groups that have vocalized support of protecting Nature *There are far more than 30 individuals who are outspoken against the blind faith in our Board of County Supervisors here in Prince William County and their reckless abandon of environmental guidelines and carbon footprint commitments *There are far more than 30 outspoken individuals against Data Center development without environmental reviews *There were far more than 30 who spoke at each and everyone of our County meetings in support of the Environment since I have been involved *It is a known fact that ALL Nature Conservancy groups with a mission to preserve nature also incidentally agree with supporting HB1986 *The support of protecting our waters & the Habitats of Migratory Birds & Endangered Species is common sense. *Regardless of DEQ having some storm water run off management, it is IMPORTANT for everyone to acknowledge that There is an AQUATIC FEDERALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES present in the proposed project area. *The DWARF WEDGEMUSSEL is registered in the project area according to the US Fish & Wildlife Service, Information for Planning and Consultation website. -I have some empty shells from the banks of Sudley Crossing as well as another location. -Our tributaries and streams are a delicately balanced system. This project requires additional review measures and stringent levels of habitat protection for Endangered Species. *There is also a SECOND FEDERALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES known as the LONG EARED BAT that is registered throughout the forests in that region as well as others that are targeted for data centers including Amberleigh Station and Devlin Park. -I have visited the project perimeter in order to observe the Long Eared Bats feeding at dusk It is as if our county Board is choosing to not acknowledge that the Endangered Species Act even exists. We NEED extra protective measures for the Environment as we proceed with developing data center technology in the Great State of Virginia. In light of the 35 billion dollar commitment by Amazon Data Center technologies, The Great State of Virginia must provide adequate and redundant safety parameters for Nature so that we may protect ourselves from monetary temptation that might incidentally bypass environmental rules and commitments. Monetary greed has been known to instigate shortsightedness. As the Great State of Virginia is shaped like a Bird, the Great State of Virginia is on stage right now for how we will choose to respect both Federal & State Endangered Species as well as the Migratory Birds. If we choose to dismiss nature right now, we are showing the world that it is ok to disregard our Federally Endangered Species & Carbon Footprint obligations. The Great State of Virginia is in a position to demand Data Center evolution & integrity. The Great State of Virginia is in a position to demand Data Center energy efficiency. The Great State of Virginia is in a position to demand Data Centers to be Environmentally Responsible The Great State of Virginia is in a position to act as a Guiding light in the field of environmental responsibility for the entire world right now. The Great State of Virginia is obliged to act accordingly, with honor, integrity and respect for Nature

I strongly support HB 1986. This legislation will ensure that prudent environmental measures are considered in determining locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential, and absent this bill these protections do not adequately exist. Commonwealth citizens need the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner that protects our natural and historic assets. I understand that numerous individuals have a motivation to profit by opposing such environmentally responsible measures like this. But that opposition is based on personal profit over the public good. Please consider this from the perspective of the public good. Thank you.

HB1986 is a bad bill for all of Virginia. Virginia has stringent DEQ rules, and this is bill is attempt to circumvent the authority of local land use issues. The PWC Board of Supervisors approved a change in land use last November for the Pageland Corridor to a Data Center Corridor. The land is now planned for Data Centers. Why? Because Pageland Lane and the Manassas Battlefield Park have 115ft tall transmission towers and 250 ft wide corridor that go through our front and back yards. The Pageland Corridor is a cut though of industrial traffic . We are stuck between a 3million sq.ft. data center , 1800 housing project called Heritage Hunt and a 100-year expansion of the Loudoun quarry. It is the right location for data centers. This bill WILL KILL development in all of Virginia because a few people that live in developments, which were once farms, and the typical special interest groups that have fought to keep PWC in the dark ages don’t want anything else to change. Here’s the critical point: In December 2019 a 3 million square foot data center was approved next door to the Manassas Battlefield Park, Conway Forest and on Pageland Lane and NO ONE OPPOSED IT. ….NOT DELEGATE ROEM , THE HERITAGE HUNT SUBMIDIVISION, THE HOA ROONDTABLE, COALITION TO PROECTECT PWC AND THE NATIONAL PARK . That date center is under construction and well on its way to being occupied. Please oppose this bill.

HB1986 is a loser. It's a pathetic attempt to stop progress in our county. Let's not overlook the fact that our local officials already approved this area in Gainesville for dc's. People are now claiming that our own water regulations aren't good enough? This is BS and they know it. They will use any argument to stop this, even if it's an outright lie. My family and I want the benefits that such a project will bring to ALL areas of our county.

I know who Del Roem is. She may or may not know me. She hasn't talked to me. or to my neighborhood. She has not talked to any community within the Pageland Corridor about HB1986. This bill is designed solely to stop, delay and raise costs for the Prince William Digital Gateway which is a $26B capital investment in the Commonwealth. The DC industry has remained officially designated a targeted industry for PWC and the Commonwealth under the leadership of both political parties. PWDG will fall under the purview of the Stormwater Management Act, Clean Water Act and the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. These are some of the most successful pieces of environmental protection legislation in the history of our nation. The PWC BOCS hosted a work session with all the responsible organizations dedicated to water issues (Jun 22). These designated experts showed how well the existing measures and techniques have and are working to protect our water supply/quality. The PWC Service Authority has publicly stated multiple times it does not foresee any negative impacts from this proposed project on the region’s water supply/quality. The Virginia DEQ was informed of the PWDG (2022). DEQ is responsible for protecting & enhancing Virginia’s environment to provide for the health & well-being of the Commonwealth’s residents & visitors. They are responsible for the Chesapeake Bay, Water Quality, Water Quantity, Stormwater, Wastewater, Wetlands and Streams. They informed PWC they considered it, as a local land use policy issue, outside their purview at that time. When appropriate, the DEQ would ensure a SWMP was included in any rezoning submissions and that that plan was fully followed should the project be approved. A SMP helps reduce pollution/contamination during & after construction by controlling flow & quality of runoff. Every construction project is responsible for eliminating its impact from beginning to completion & beyond. A SWMP is permanent. The amount of stormwater runoff may NOT exceed levels prior to a project commencing. The water quality may NOT be degraded at all as a result of a project. The PWDG has agreed to additional water quality monitoring. PWDG has agreed to leave RPA undisturbed; plantings are being added. Existing vegetation along park boundaries will be undisturbed; many places augmented by additional natural buffering. These are the best stormwater controls for runoff/natural water filtration. PWDG won't cut one blade of grass, remove one shovel of dirt, cut down one tree, or shorten a single trail inside the Manassas Battlefield or Conway Robinson Parks. These two parks will increase in acreage. Over 800 acres (37%) is being set aside for new parks and trails. These areas will be healthier & more secure. The corridor will immediately fall under federal, state & local environmental protection laws/guidelines; these requirements don't apply to the private landowners. Virginia and PWC do NOT have a SWM or water quality issue. There has NOT been a single environmental regulation infraction during a PWC DC project. The General Assembly does NOT need to excessively duplicate and over-extend its governmental reach into local areas that are already covered & operating effectively & efficiently. Vote NO for HB1986.

My family and I expect you to support HB 1986. This legislation shall: Require any land disturbance related to the construction, expansion, or operation of enterprise data center operations that is located within one mile of any land (i) owned or operated as a unit of the National Park Service or (ii) designated as a Virginia State Park or state forest to infiltrate, evaporate, or reuse the predicted stormwater runoff volume that exceeds the stormwater runoff volume experienced at such site prior to such land disturbance. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Sincerely, Gary Campbell & Family Prince William, Loudoun, Northumberland Counties, Va.

Dear Committee members, I oppose Bill HB 1986. This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. Data centers should not be treated be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to storm water management. DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. Respectfully, Mr. Cosgrove

I strongly support HB 1986

I strongly support HB 1986. Have you evaluated the number of residents for and against this bill and the Prince William Digital Gateway. There have been a few that want to build the Digital Gateway and many against the Digital Gateway. Stop building next to our historical landmarks.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you. Marcela Figueroa Gainesville, VA 20155

I am writing to encourage your support for HB 1986. This common sense legislation shall: Require any land disturbance related to the construction, expansion, or operation of enterprise data center operations that is located within one mile of any land (i) owned or operated as a unit of the National Park Service or (ii) designated as a Virginia State Park or state forest to infiltrate, evaporate, or reuse the predicted stormwater runoff volume that exceeds the stormwater runoff volume experienced at such site prior to such land disturbance. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets.

I strongly support HB 1986, which will ensure responsible environmental measures and help to site data centers appropriately. Citizens EXPECT the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to help manage the rapid growth of this industry and to protect our drinking water supply, and our natural and historic resources. PLEASE get ALL of the needed protective laws in place first before siting data centers. Our government must have the authority to properly and deliberately manage this rapidly growing industry. If you don't, no one will. Thank you. Thank you.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. Basic land-use principles should be adhered to. Incompatible land uses should not be placed adjacent to each other. Furthermore, all environmental safeguards should be taken for the benefit of all people. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

Hello.  I OPPOSE HB1986.  It is not common-sense.  It makes no-sense.  There have been a hundred other datacenter projects in Virginia that have all followed standard commercial stormwater guidelines.  This particular project should be no different.  This bill is giberish made up by a small group of people that oppose this particular project.  The State should not intervene in a building project that falls under the purview of Local Government.  PWC Local Government has already extensively studied the PWDG project and voted to proceed based on the benefits it offers the entire county as a whole.  The State should not intervene in local matters, this particular project is no different than any other, and this bill should be rejected because it makes no sense. Thank You Collin Werth

I strongly oppose this bill. DEQ has stringent requirements on Stormwater management. This bill is an economic KILLER for all of Virginia.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering.

I strongly support HB 1986. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship are essential to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. This bill ensures responsible growth that protects Virginia's natural and historic assets. Please support HB1986. Thank you -

I strongly support HB 1986. This bill was designed to protect the watershed in the Northern Virginia area. This watershed has rivers that feed into the drinking water of the residents around the Occoquan Reservoir. There are 2million people who will be affected, from Gainesville to Ft. Belvoir. It is a common sense bill that helps to protect data center siting and environmental stewardship. Unfortunately, those who oppose this bill, just enjoy slinging arrows and mis truths. Please stand up for the truth!

I SUPPORT HB1986. I am citizen who does NOT live adjacent to or near any current or proposed data centers. I am a citizen who wants to PROTECT our natural, environmental and historical resources. I am a citizen who does NOT stand to gain financially from data centers. Citizens should have to disclose their potential financial gain while stating their support- because this information DOES MATTER.

I decided to read other people's comments before posting my own. Wow, sour grapes from the people who support HB1986. So what if Pageland residents stand to make money on the sale of the properties. Isn't that the American way? I don't care how much money they make. But I do care about tax rates, jobs, paying our public servants well, and getting jobs in Prince William. Our local Board already approved rezoning for data centers on Pageland. Is this some last ditch effort by Roem and the fake conservationists to stop a great project? What it's really all about is protecting their own privileged lifestyle. And the comment about speaking for all these HOA's in our county? I guarantee you that most of these homeowners don't care a fig about about what happens in Gainesville, but they sure will be glad if their taxes are reduced, and they can actually find a decent job in PW and their kids won't have to go to school in trailers. Don't let Roem get away with screwing over our county and possibly yours.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering.

I strongly support HB 1986. We need common-sense legislation to protect the Occoquan watershed and our historic assets. We cannot allow a privileged few to put their interests over what is best for Prince William County or the Commonwealth, and it's clear who the Prince William Digital Gateway (PWDG) will benefit. Hint: It's not Prince William residents. We do not know the impact on our drinking water or if the grossly-inflated revenue would be enough to offset any damage done to our environment. More to the point, data centers don't belong next to our homes, schools, or national parks.

I strongly support HB1986. Data centers do not belong near a residential area or near a National Battlefield park. Data centers should be in an industrial park, several miles away from residential dwellings. Who wants to live next to a data center? We need some regulation on these monstrous data centers.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations.  Responsible data center sites within environmentally sound areas is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities.  Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures. Thank you.

My wife and I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. We ask that you resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered development and maximization of profits. Thank you.

I am in favor of the decision to support the Pageland Digital Gateway. Its opponents are unfair in their expressions of opposition. Please respect the hard work and research that has been conducted to make sure all the necessary requirements are satisfied.

Hello, I am a PWC resident and voter.  I OPPOSE HB 1986.  The bill aims to place undue additional restrictions on a particular local building project.  Datacenters should not have any higher requirements than any other commercial project.  Moreover, it should not impede this particular datacenter project over any other datacenter projects.  This bill has nothing to do with actual merit, its simply an attempt by people that oppose the project to weaponize the State to intervene in a project that in every other case falls under Local Government.  Local PWC has already thoroughly studied the project and voted to proceed.  This obvious overreach of the State undermines local government, business, and land owners, and lastly has no logical merit or justification. Thanks Matt Werth

Dear Committee Members, I strongly oppose HB1986. Lets be pro development. Prince William County will benefit immensely in generating tax revenue from this development.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

The HOA Roundtable stands strongly in support of HB 1986. Our 61 participating HOAs and Civic organizations represent over 90,000 residents and homeowners from the shores of the Potomac to the southern boundary of Dulles Airport, from Mount Vernon to the Virginia Piedmont. These are average hard-working Virginians who care deeply about their quality of life, communities and residential property value. They do NOT believe industrial complexes belong next to our National and State parks. But if they must be built, the public implores you to ensure stringent environmental stewardship is practiced. That is the lease we can do for the nation and the Commonwealth. And ... Goodness ... why would so many average Gainesville and Catharpin, VA residents in Prince William County be strongly opposed to a storm water management bill and care so much about their local officials autonomy? Because they each stand to make many millions of dollars selling their property for the PW Digital Gateway, a massive data center industrial complex of 27 million sq ft. directly on the National Park border. These folks are not the general public, but an assemblage of 102 landowners who are under contract to sell their property to QTS and Compass, who undoubtedly have called in their support, per contract. They've never cared so much about storm water and local government autonomy before - EVER. And they don't now. It's the hundreds of millions of dollars speaking, not the public or the public interest. Please protect our National Parks for the benefit of the American people and our State Parks for all Virginians. Thank you.

HB 1986 proposes to implement onerous stormwater management requirements, but ONLY ON PW DIGITAL GATEWAY. To specifically target one data center project with additional requirements because you don't like the decision of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors is not fair and not good public policy. I live in Prince William County and am opposed to this bill. It is an unprecedented attempt to interfere with local governing bodies' decision-making authority on land use issues. This bill could have far reaching effects on the ability of our county officials to make the decisions for which we voted them in. The Data Centers proposed for Prince William would provide the tax revenues which could fund improvements to the hospitals and much needed pay increases for staff. The PWDC would also fund salary increases for teachers and county employees. It would allow the development of many needed or desired projects which are held back for lack of revenue It’s such a pity that self-appointed “spokesmen” like some of our local NIMBY elitists choose to sanctify their view and their space, totally disregarding the needs of the County for an increased tax base I have no intention of invading people’s privacy by delving into property sales and purchases, but I suspect there are more than a few of these NIMBYs who sold their properties in Loudoun and Fairfax at inflated prices to Data Centers and other commercial developments, then moved south to PWC where the yokels aren’t too uncultured, not like the folks down in Mathews, Wythe, or (Gasp!) Craig Counties. There are people who have been farming in the area for more than a century. Many of them are frustrated trying to farm in an area now blighted by traffic, pollution, noise, light, and many other factors harmful to farming. The farms are barely surviving, yet county regulations for the agricultural district make it difficult to sell the properties. Rezoning the area to allow for data centers would give relief to many of these people. I am not a farmer, but my situation is similar in many ways. I am 80 years old. When I moved to the Rural Crescent three years ago expected that I would never suffer another move. Naturally, when I first heard about plans for the data centers I was totally opposed. After extensive reading for more information I have changed my mind. The county desperately needs the revenue these commercial enterprises will provide. And yes, I’ll be able to sell my property for far more than I paid for it. It will be enough to buy a similar property, and allow me to hire people to do all the packing, moving, and setting up the new home, activities which I an no longer physically capable of performing. Most of the rest will go to taxes, perhaps with enough left over to help my children recover from the years of pandemic, economic inactivity, and inflation. Now these elitists mentioned above want to tell these farmers and tradesmen to bite sand. They flood the newspapers and legislators with misinformation, harrowing scenarios of what might happen in the future, with nothing but conjecture and spurious computer models. I urge you to defeat this bill. It is unfavorable to the best interests of Prince William County, The State of Virginia, and our great nation. Thank you for your consideration. Jack Seeley

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations.  Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities.  Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets.  Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

I strongly support HB 1986 and implore you to resist voices of the opponents who are in this solely for profiteering.

I am in favornof HB 1986

I am in favor of Bill 1986 for thr protection of our resources.

Strongly support HB1986. This is a bill with bipartisan support except by those that stand to gain directly by data centers. The impacts to our natural resources impacting multiple counties is of immediate concern to Virginia residents.

I strongly support HB1986. Thoughtful use of our natural resources is important in maintaining Virginia's beauty and resources for Virginia residents.

I oppose HB 1986. This bill is a waste of time and may impede further investment into our state which is highly sought after in the tech industry. This bill is baseless and specific sites cannot be targeted. Laws are already strict on water use so it is a total waste of time and tax payer money

I strongly support HB 1986, to ensure that environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations are put in place to safeguard residents .Please do not be swayed by arguments to the contrary . Thank you. ---------------------------

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering.

On one side of the argument, you have land owners who will make millions of dollars from development - not very many people overall! On the other side, you have regular residents who are trying to protect their quality of life, their homes, their health, the environment. Bills like this should not be needed, except huge developers are using their funds to sway local government officials. It is not right, as they are not representing us! "Guardrails" as are in Delegate Roem's bill are critical to start putting constraints on the Data Center industry. Please vote for 1986.

I strongly oppose HB 1986. We want our local elected officials to decide what is best for our community not outside legislatures. This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair.

Dear Committee members, The data center industry requires resources like NONE other. Their placement is critical for the health and well-being of citizens in the commonwealth. This is not a Hobson's choice, it is not a choice of NO data centers, or data centers everywhere. By the time the applications make it to the DEQ, the impacts to our fragile watershed is already at risk. In Prince William County, Tom Smith, the head of public works, when asked about storm water mitigation enforcement, acknowledged that he is understaffed and relies on a complaint-based system to identify violations. The professional organizations are warning us that there will be impacts to the drinking water supply for an entire region if a study is completed AFTER the approval of the digital gateway. Please protect the quality of life of citizens by ensuring meaningful mitigations are put in place to protect the quality of life for citizens now and in the future. Sincerely, Elena Schlossberg p.s. I believe that those benefiting by making between five hundred thousand dollars and one million dollars an acre on their residential property should be required to disclose that when they comment.

It doesn't make sense that why they are trying to control the county decision. Let the county Boards do their jobs!!!! I am against this bill

Please vote against the SB1986. I support the Datacenters

I am against the SB1986 Bill

I SUPPORT DATA CENTERS! and AGAINST the 1986 bill!!!! It's a modern world, one day or another the change will come. So Please be against the 1986

I strongly support Del Roem's bill 1986 on Stormwater Management. I will add that literally all the environmental and watershed management experts are concerned about the risk to the drinking water from the Occoquan Reservoir, which supplies drinking water to over 800,000 people. The watershed is an urban watershed and is close to "a tipping point" We need guardrails and studies to ensure the safety of the drinking water.

Hello, I am a proud business owner and a resident of Prince William County. It is unpalatable that some Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses. I vehemently oppose HB1986. Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. I hope sanity prevails and Data Centers are allowed as it will increase tax revenue and other benefits for our wonderful county.

I strongly support HB 1986, which is common sense-legislation to ensure prudent environmental measures and appropriate locations for data center operations. Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Legislation like this must be used in conjunction with existing incentives to encourage the location of data center development in areas where the economic impact can be maximized and adverse environmental and cultural impacts minimized. I implore you to resist voices of those who oppose such environmentally responsible measures solely because they inhibit unfettered profiteering. Thank you.

DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. I oppose HB 1986

I am in opposition of HB 1986, as it appears to be legislation specifically designed to limit Prince William County in making determinations on their economic and industrial growth. I am not against more stringent guidelines for runoff in order to protect the ecology of the Commonwealth, but if those requirements are truly necessary then the bill should apply to the entire Commonwealth and not just areas surrounding State or National Parks. The DEQ has storm water runoff requirements that are already stringent and appropriate. Adding legislation that specifically targets certain projects while ignoring others removes local control from the county supervisors and may restrict future businesses and industries from considering the Commonwealth as a desired area to move to. As is stands right now, HB 1986 is an overreach of state legislature and takes away the authority of county governments to make their own decisions about economic growth and land use. I urge you to vote "NO" on this bill.

I'm against Bill 1986 because l voted for my local officials to decide on local land use decisions. They spent 2 years studying the environmental impacts of the Digital Gateway data center proposal and are aware of all the details, of which Senator Roem is not. She only met with the opponents, who have been spouting massive amounts of misinformation to drum up opposition. Our County Board of Supervisors has already placed stringent measures on the project's water management, stricter than required. The State should not interfere with local matters of which it is nowhere near as versed as local officials. Sets a bad precedent for all counties in the Commonwealth.

I do not support this bill. It is blatantly targeting one specific development. If these are truly necessary guidelines for storm water and development then it should be applied to the whole state protecting all land and water. Not just those adjacent to National and state parks.

Good morning, I would like to express my concern with HB 1986: DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. This is totally unacceptable and would set a dangerous precedent for all counties of VA. - Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses. Thank you, Martin Dodd

Data Centers will produce the highest level of tax revenues and this bill will hinder that objective.

This bill will seriously impact the welfare of the commnity by restricting the economic benefit that data centers bring to the county in the form of tax revenues.

- DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. - Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses

Against the Bill HP 1986

- DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. - Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses

I am against HB 1986 as it will place restrictions on infrastructure development statewide without regard to local considerations for land use decisions. Projects the bill targets are best managed by local elected officials based on local zoning proffer requirements. Moreover, this bill is specifically directed at a local development project that is part of PWC land use planning and not supported by PWC citizens at large since it has been approved by the county board of supervisors. This Bill is Bad for All Virginians! This bill is an attempt by Delegate Roem to 'Kill" an economic opportunity in PWC to appease a group of 30 retirement residents and gain notoriety. As a result, she will kill the Data Center opportunity in all of Virginia. Del. Roem represents approx. 200 residents on Pageland Lane and has ignored their requests to meet and know the facts of this great economic and public benefit initiative.

- DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. - Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses

The DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair not only to the project but everyone that lives in Prince William County This project shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management or any other aspect of oversight This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. This would set a precedent that could be used anywhere in Virginia when a group of people dont like a proposed project Additional requirements on this project will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses.

I support data centers in Northern VA, I think it is unfair to add restrictions to one commercial industry. So please do not pass this bill. Thank you .

I am against Delegate Roem's House Bill 1986 because it interferes with local land use decisions, specifically one Prince William County officials have worked two years studying before they voted on it, the Prince William Digital Gateway data center project. Not only will it allow the County to fund much needed projects, it also is far less detrimental to the ground water than the alternative, which is 10-acre housing developments with their insecticides, fertilizers, wells, and septic systems. The opponents persist in alleging tax payers will foot the bill for the infrastructure, although the plan clearly states the developers will pay for the road widening, the water, and the sewer. They will also use closed-loop cooling systems that will not contaminate the water and use less energy. The county has mandated water runoff restrictions far more stringent than is required and that developers work with the Water Authority to reduce contaminants. This has all been mentioned again and again in Board meetings open to the public, yet the opponents keep asserting otherwise, as if they are deaf to the facts. So please, committee members, don't be misled. Delegate Roem has listened to only one side. Unlike our local officials, she does not have all the facts. We voted for our local officials to handle local land-use decisions, not the State. Passage of this bill will set a bad precedent for all counties in the Commonwealth.

I'm against House Bill 1986 concerning stormwater management. It unfairly targets data centers, specifically the Prince William County Digital Gateway project. Our County officials already did a two-year study of the environmental impacts. Among the resulting measures is one that requires the reduction of stormwater runoff to the level it was 200 years ago when the the area was all forest, which goes well beyond current requirements. They are also requiring developers to work with the Water Authority fo reduce contaminants. The Manassas National Battlefield Park worked with developers to do balloon tests to insure that the height of the buildings be limited to what can't be seen from the Park. The major opponents are from the retirement center of Heritage Hunt, who have used scare tactics and misinformation to drum up opposition. It has become so acrimonious, they are deaf to any conciliatory measures, even the requirment to leave 40 acres of heavy forest between the data center and their community. Senator Roem, who has submitted this bill has only listened to the opposition and, unlike our County government, doesn't have all the details. Our County worked hard on this and it an insult for the State to interfere with their local land-use decisions.

Please vote NO to HR1986. We elected our County officials to handle local decisions, not the State.

Reject HB 1986! For the following reasons: - DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases.  - Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses.    Thank you for your willingness to help and we will continue to everything we can to stop this harmful legislation. V/r, Samuel Robertson

Please vote NO to HB1986. It unfairly targets the Prince William County Data Center project which will help Prince William County provide high paying union jobs. The County already did a two-year study of impacts including stormwater. They require that runoff be reduced to what it was 200 years ago when the area was all forest. They are also working with the Water Authority to come up with measures to reduce contaminants. The County needs the revenue for schools and county services.

Please oppose HB 1986 as Data Centers shouldn't be treated differently from other commercial developments for stormwater management.

Please oppose HB 1986 because Data Centers shouldn't be treated differently than other commercial developments for stormwater management.

Please VOTE NO to HB1986. DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements in place and it would be inappropriate to treat the Data Center industry differently than any other commercial development project. Pageland Lane already has a 3 million sq. ft. Data Center complex called Gainesville Crossing next door to and less than half a mile from the Manassas Battlefield Park and Conway Forest Park . Gainesville Crossing was unanimously approved by our Board in 2019 and was unopposed by any of our State Delegates including Del Roem and Senator Petersen. Its site was specifically sought out because of its location and proximity to the Dominion Power Lines. This Bill is Bad for All Virginians! This bill is an attempt by Delegate Roem to 'Kill" an economic opportunity in PWC to appease a group of 30 retirement residents and gain notoriety. As a result she will KILL the Data Center opportunity in all of Virginia. Del. Roem represents approx. 200 residents on Pageland Lane and has ignored their requests to meet and know the facts of this great economic and public benefit initiative. PWC's commercial tax base is 15% vs 35-40% of our neighboring Fairfax and Loudoun County, It's a great opportunity to bring PWC more in line with typical commercial ratios to reduce the County’s dependency on residential taxes, a direct benefit to thousands of homeowners in PWC. Data Centers are being sought after by every county in Virginia and this bill will stifle economic growth for every one of those counties. Again, please VOTE NO to HB1986.

I oppose HB 1986. It is a blatant attempt to halt a project that will greatly benefit ALL residents of Prince William County. The PW Digital Gateway is the most lucrative, well-designed, most scrutinized, and over-studied project in the history of PWCounty. The appropriate water studies have been done, and the experts concluded that the Digital Gateway project will likely improve the water quality of the Little Bull Run and the Occoquan Reservoir. Where and when has a data center been accused of water pollution? Never! And, the type of water study that this bill calls for simply can’t be done, according to VA Tech, who runs the models. It would be quite expensive, and inconclusive. That’s a matter of record which HB 1986 ignores, while simply parroting the demonstrably false talking points of Digital Gateway opponents. Apparently, there was a lack of due diligence in ascertaining the truth, which begs the question - Why was this bill, with no foundation in truth, and based solely on propaganda, ever introduced? The Virginia State Legislature has not been empowered to make local zoning or land use decisions, nor to do political favors for friends and cronies wishing to undermine the votes and decisions of those who HAVE been entrusted with that responsibility. HB 1986 would set a bad precedent, creating an ersatz “Appeals Court” where disgruntled people can seek to overrule the will of the majority, and overturn the votes of duly elected Supervisors. Virginians will be better served if the legislature focuses on its own business, and allows the County Supervisors to do the job they were elected to do. The PW Digital Gateway represents years of hard work by dozens of dedicated people. HB 1986 is a rude affront to the PWC Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, and dedicated staff who have worked countless hours researching, scrutinizing, and negotiating every aspect of this plan. It’s a shame that no one bothered to do even a cursory fact-check before introducing this flawed bill.

I oppose HB 1986, that’s why I am writing this paragraph. DEQ already has strict storm water management requirements and to single out one specific project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, and in that way removing local control on land use cases.  - Such requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses.    Thank you for your consideration and your time.

HR 1986 is biased, and does not treat all elements of the County equally. It is targeting one specific element, AND MUST BE DEFEATED!

Vote NO on HB1986! It is a baseless bill that is only a waste of time and taxpayer money. There are already tough guidelines and laws regarding water use. The particular project this bill targets will not have a measurable effect on water! This was determined by the planning office and analysis ad nauseam, and thus the Prince William County Board of Supervisors voted in favor. This bill also attempts to control land owners on what they can do with their property! This bill should be dropped solely for that reason, how absurd. Next, this bill attempts to hinder the great investments done by data centers. These investments are taking Prince William county and Virginia into the future and diversifying our tax base. Our schools need this technology growth, and our citizens need the new jobs and revenue. This northern virginia location, and many others in the state, are ideal for data centers. The PWDG is away from all homes and schools, thus mitigating nearly ALL concerns. This project alone will benefit the entire state, not just those in Gainesville. It is unjust for a select few in western pwc to hinder growth for the whole county...schools and citizens in other parts like Woodbridge need growth as well! Please Vote no in this HB1986 bill, and this allow Prince William County and Virginia the opportunity for decades of technological growth!

This bill is baseless as there are already stringent water laws in place, and targeting a single project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. The board has already approved this project, through recommendations in favor by the planning office. And sets the county and state up for decades of success and growth. - Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses. Overall this impedes progress and growth within Virginia and Prince William County. This bill is thus a waste of tax payer money and time, both of which our county and state vitally needs. Thank you!

I am writing on behalf of my wife and me to oppose HB 1986. It is clear to anyone who attended our local Board of Supervisor meetings on this project and listened to the experts who thoroughly evaluated the Prince William Digital Gateway from every angle that great care was taken in the proposal to protect sensitive environmental concerns, including stormwater management. This project has been more thoroughly studied than any such project. This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. DEQ already has stringent stormwater management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. We support local government and trust the process where everyone had the opportunity to voice their opinions. Again, we oppose HB 1986. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Clayton and Sharon Kilrain Gainesville, Prince William County, VA

This bill is clearly aimed at not only one industry but one project in particular. We already have laws, policies and regulations to protect the environment. Let's stop wasting time and resources creating duplicative legislation meant to single out a specific business or project and instead simply enforce the laws already on the books. We needs LESS government regulation, not more. If this legislation is allowed to proceed it will most certainly end up in court where its constitutionality will be challenged. You cannot pass laws that single out one business or industry. The so-called rural cresent stopped being "rural" many many years ago. At the base of Bull Run mountain we have Dominion Valley, complete with a large shopping center and gas station to support the hundreds of homes built in recent years. Next to that we find the Piedmont community with hundreds of homes. Heritage Hunt, the Lee Hwy/Linton Hall Rd development. The Haymarket/Gainesville area is not the sleepy little community it once was. Did I mention Walmart, Home Depot, Kohls department store and the numerous eateries and other businesses in that shopping center? How about the new 4 story Hilton hotel? Oh yes, we are certainly "rural," aren't we. And I find it especially rich that some people are opposed to the PWDG but no one seems to care that we have a data center being built AS WE SPEAK across the street from 2 schools; Tyler Elementary and Pace West. Do these protesters care more about trees and grass than they do the children? It would appear so. If data centers were so dangerous why are they not concerned about the current construction on John Marshall Hwy at the intersection of Catharpin Rd? I strongly urge you to vote against this bill.

I oppose this bill firstly because it’s completely unfair to target one specific project. Moreover, data centers should be treated like all other commercial development projects.

HB 1986 is simply an attempt to create onerous and unnecessary storm water regulations (for just one Data Center project) above and beyond what DEQ already has in place and has had in place for a very long time. This bill is a waste of the committees time and shows a complete disregard for the economy, job creation and revenue needs of Prince William County and its citizens. Vote NO on HB 1986.

This bill is misplaced in that there is already stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. The benefit of such an investment in our county and state is priceless in the long term. It also benefits the entire country, advancing our capability for data, computing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. The purpose of this bill is misplaced and serves only to waste time and taxpayer money. - Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses. And as such, drive away investments into our county and state.

Committee Members, Pleas reject HB 1986 for the following reasons. Comments? - DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. - Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses. Thank you for your willingness to help and we will continue to everything we can to stop this harmful legislation. Respectfully, Elaine Owen

Committee Members, Reject HB 1986 for the following reasons. Comments? - DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. - Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses. Thank you for your willingness to help and we will continue to everything we can to stop this harmful legislation. Respectfully, Dennis Owen

I write to oppose #1986 due to its unique and uncalled for effort to have the state overturn the actions of a duly elected Board of Supervisors. Prince William County held dozens of meetings, hearings, studies and public comments on the Digital Gateway and it was their opinion, based on the publics input, backed up by studies that such a project has real value to the taxpayer. To have the state overpower the local citizen taxpayer sends the wrong message and sets a dangerous precident. We should not look to the state whenever the opposition doesnt get their way, turning our backs to the will of the local citizens. I ask that this bill be voted down.

Committee Members, Please reject the proposal HB 1986. The reasons for this are as follows. - DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. - Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses. Thank you for your willingness to help and we will continue to everything we can to stop this harmful legislation. Respectfully, Trae Owen

Committee Members, Please reject HB 1986 for the following reasons. - DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. - Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses. Thank you for your willingness to help and we will continue to everything we can to stop this harmful legislation. Respectfully, Jamie Owen

Reject the HB 1986! Reasons: - DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. - Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses. Thank you for your willingness to help and we will continue to everything we can to stop this harmful legislation.

As a citizen of Prince William County and long term citizen in the Commonwealth of Virginia, I strongly request that you oppose House Bill (HB) 1986. I oppose HB 1986 because A. This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. B. Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses.

1. The role of the Virginia General Assembly is not, and never has been nor should it be, to micro-legislate citizen activities at the county and city level! The legitimate role of the Assembly is to craft policies and legislation that will apply to the State of Virginia and benefit the legal citizens therein. HB 1986 fails this criteria at every level and is focused upon a specific instance related to one county and the actions of its independent citizens and the County Board of Supervisors! 2. The Assembly discussion and consideration of a bill “like” HB1986 might be valid if there was even a pretense that this level of strict scrutiny on environmental issues was to be considered the norm for ALL new commercial building throughout the entire Old Dominion, but that is clearly not the intent or purpose of HB1986. 3. Totally overlooked in the environmental considerations is the fact that data centers, such as the PW Digital Gateway, are by their very nature capable of providing a minimal environmental foot print. They exist in fixed known building sites, not open to the general public, and any wastewater management requirement can be easily met by a competent building contractor. This is especially critical to remember when the next shopping mall, high rise office space, townhouse development building rezoning is proposed anywhere throughout Virginia! 4. This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of a “specific” land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. HB 1986 clearly targets one specific data center project located in Prince William County because the supporters of this bill simply disagree with the decision of the Board of County Supervisors. The Prince William County Board of Supervisors (BOCS) went to extraordinary lengths to ensure that ample public discussion was allowed and indeed encouraged! Additionally, the decision by the BOCS was based on thorough, and multiple, Planning Commission studies that were reviewed and updated multiple times during the course of the discussion phase of this project. 5. The bottom line is that HB 1986 is simply not good public policy, and local jurisdictions, such as Prince William County and its resident citizens,, should have the ability to make independent decisions on zoning and business development activities within their jurisdiction.

I ask you to oppose HB 1986 because this proposed legislation would dramatically restrict the ability of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors to make certain land use decisions by implementing onerous requirements. In addition, 1. HB 1986 is looking to severely restrict the property rights of landowners and remove our ability to govern ourselves locally. 2. DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and for this to target one specific project is unfair. 3. Data centers should not be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management (SWM).

Dear Delegates, This bill is a clear and direct attack on Data Center developers, specifically the Prince William Digital Gateway. This is not a bill concerning storm water management. The DEQ already has stringent storm water management regulations in place. Please do not allow a small group opposing a local land use project to influence policy at the state level. This undermines elected county officials. This bill could have a devastating impact to a major tax generating industry in our state. Thank you for your time and attention. Abby Winters

My wife and I strongly oppose HB 1986. It is wrong to single out the PW Digital Gateway project for restrictions that do not apply to other similar projects.

DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. I OPPOSE HB 1986

This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. There are enough storm water rules and regulations to address the concerns of the people. I OPPOSE HB 1986

Please oppose HB 1986. This is nothing but to punish only one project, PW Digital Gateway. DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. There is no need for any additional unrealistic requirements.

Hi, my name is Sarah Imam who lived her entire life in Prince William County. I oppose HB 1986. Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target PW Digital Gateway (PWDG) is unfair. As a student of PWC public schools, I know that PWDG will help improve our schools. If this bill is passed, it will impose onerous requirements on the data centers and will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses.

HB 1986 is an attempt by Senator Roem to serve the very few instead of the many. Shocking that one of our own "local" elected officials seems to care nothing for local job creation, improved commercial tax revenues for the Prince William County budget or for those that would benefit the most from that improved budget (e.g. teachers, first responders and most importantly local school children). The State of Virginia, the county of Prince William and most importantly DEQ have set standards and procedures already in place that are plenty capable of regulating the development to be found in the Prince William Digital Gateway. Please VOTE NO on this ridiculous piece of legislation.

Dear Delegates, It is very clear that this bill is not being proposed due to concerns for Stormwater Management. This bill is a strategic attempt by opponents of a specific land use case to circumvent the vote of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. Land use cases should remain, as designed, with the local elected officials. The DEQ has very strict Stormwater Policies in place. Data center developers should be treated like all other developers. Our economy in Prince William County and all over VA benefit tremendously from Data Center Development. Please do not derail the best business opportunities that exist for our state. Thank you, Chris Winters

This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases.

  - DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases.  - Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses. 

I am against HB 1986 as it is an unfair attempt to direct local policy from the state level. DEQ has stringent storm water management requirements in place for ALL the data centers that have been approved and that are in the process of being approved. Any ultra focus on data centers Stormwater management smacks of bias. This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. Extraordinary requirements on this single project of data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators are willing to target certain projects they don’t like and punish those businesses.

Hello, I am Zafir Imam and oppose HB 1986. Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. It is unfair to target only one particular project, Prince William Digital Gateway (PWDG) with this onerous requirements. PWDG is project that will generate enormous tax benefits to this county as well as Virginia.

I strongly oppose this as this has no standing and totally biased.

My name is Shamim Ismail, a resident of Gainesville District in PWC. I oppose HB 1986. This bill is targeted for only one project, PW Digital Gateway because the opposition to this project did not like the County Supervisors' vote in favor of this project. Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses.

I am against this bill. This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases.

This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases.

My name is Ali Imam. I am a resident of Prince William County for over 21 years. Please oppose HB 1986. This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of PW Digital Gateway to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project, such as PW Digital Gateway is unfair. So, please oppose this bill. Thank you.

HB 1986 is nothing more than a narrowly focused, hostile, obstructionist attempt by Senator Roem to eliminate the Prince William Digital Gateway and all the economic benefits that Prince William County and the Commonwealth of Virginia would derive from it. The bottom line is that DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements in place, and it would be wholly inappropriate to treat the Data Center business segment differently than any other commercial development project (not to mention specifically singling out just one Data Center project from an area that is already part of the "Data Center capital of the world"). Do not forget that Data Center developers are critical contributors to the health of not just the localities within Virginia that are lucky enough to have these facilities in their Districts but Virginia as a whole. DEQ, state and local storm water management requirements have been (and should continue to be) satisfactory to protect the health of Virginia's waterways and groundwater. Please VOTE NO on HB 1986.

I oppose HB1986. It imposes onerous stormwater management requirements, specifically targeting one data center development activity. This is clearly an attempt to circumvent a vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. This is unjust and dangerous. DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements. Targeting one project with even more requirements is arbitrary, unreasonable, and a misuse of power. If you accept this bill, you will send a message to the entire Business Community that Virginia legislators can target and punish businesses at will and without cause. Businesses will choose to develop elsewhere, and Virginia will suffer the consequence. Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. Oppose HB1986 and encourage businesses to develop, bringing jobs and tax revenue to the Commonwealth.

- DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. - Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses.

- This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases.

I'm writing to express my opposition to HB 1986, Stormwater Management Regulations; enterprise data center operations. This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses. Please vote against this legislation. Thank you.

I am against bill 1986. One project specifically should not be targeted.

I oppose HB 1986. Strict storm water runoff protections are already in place. Imposing different measures within a 1 mile radius of National and State parks is ridiculous. The real motive behind this bill, appeasing malcontents from Heritage Hunt, does not warrant State interference with a local land use matter.

I am writing to voice my opposition to HB 1986. It is a clear attempt by opponents of a specific project to circumvent the vote by the Prince William County Board of Supervisors. This removes local control on land use issues.

I am not in agreement and nor do I support this bill. It's disheartening to see such a bill put forward that clearly is intented to go against what the majority want in Prince William County. It is also clearly aimed at trying to kill such an amazing opportunity for our country that will benefit ALL the residence in Prince William County, simply because a select privileged few don't like it. It is the responsibility of OUR government to do what is in the best interest of the people. This bill is biased and should be rejected.

I am against bill 1986 because this should be the right of board of county supervisors to deal with these local issues. DEQ already has storm water regulations in place.

I oppose this bill as it seems like unfair treatment towards the builder.

DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. State legislatures should not treat data centers differently from other commercial development in this regard. There must be consistency. This bill is clearly a targeted attack on a land use case in Prince William County. It is a slippery slope to allow the state to dictate how local government can choose to use the land under their jurisdiction. Let's be clear... if the state of Virginia begins to impose onerous requirements on these data centers now, there will be a ripple effect and the business community will recognize that Virginia legislators can target certain projects that they don't like and punish those businesses. Virginia will begin to lose valuable businesses and the talented workforce will follow those jobs elsewhere. This vote has the potential to negatively impact far more than one data center proposal in Prince William County. Don't allow one Delegate to negatively change the course of Virginia and the future businesses that will consider it as their new home.

I oppose bill HB1986. Unfair treatment

I am a Prince William County resident, and I am writing to ask that you oppose HB 1986.  Land use has always been a local government issue, and Prince William County officials have been doing an excellent job of making the best decisions for our county. They have the most knowledge regarding what our county needs and are making land use decisions accordingly. This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. Please don’t allow this freedom to be taken away from our local government.

I am against the bill by Delegate Roem HB 1986. It is an unfair bill which targets land owners and specific projects which should be left to the board of county supervisors.

1. DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. 2.- Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. 3- This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. 4-Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses.

Senator, I want to talk about water usage with the new data centers. The proposed pageland corridor data centers will NOT use any water for cooling. In the proposed CPA, there are 200 homes with wells that the data center applicant is required to cap. The average 3-4 bedroom home in the US uses 300 gallons of water a day. So capping those wells will save 21.9M gallons of water per year. Again, it is well documented, the applicant states they will use NO WATER for cooling, just for restrooms and no more than 2000 gallons/day per data center. So if there are 15 data centers, for example for the PW Digital Gateway @2000 gallons per day, that is 10.9M gallons per year of usage. This results in a net savings of 10.9M gallons of water not being used and not being put into sewage systems or runoff to the occoquan. Further, According to Mr Goulet, the Occoquan program manager, any watershed study would require a statewide effort to study the entire watershed across all our counties. Even if they tried to do a new study, any computer model has a 5% margin of error. All the proposed PWC data centers take up only 1%. So not measurable. A water study will be a multimillion dollar effort with little to no return for the case at hand. The Occoquan staff said the best way to mitigate a new data center potential impact is to enforce the existing watershed construction standards and add point monitoring around the data centers. The PW Digital Gateway makes the most sense because it is not near any schools or homes, has no noise issues, minimal viewshed and has adequate power and fiber already. The Manassas Battlefield will not be impacted as there will not be any sightlines visible to the data centers and over 800 acres of new parks, nature trails and recreation facilities. The PW digital gateway will be the most environmentally conscious and responsible data center in our nation's history. Do not put false restrictions from our state parks if they will not be impacted, but will have generated over $8.4B of direct tax revenue and $275M of which will go directly to our schools annually. Sincerely, John Crown 20 year PWC Resident and Parent

I am writing to ask that you oppose House Bill 1986 offered by Delegate Danica Roem. This bill undermines the property rights of individual landowners and erodes the authority granted to localities to make their own land use decisions. HB1986 clearly targets one specific data center project located in Prince William County because the supporters of this bill simply disagree with the decision of the Board of County Supervisors. HB1986 is not good public policy. Data centers are an important component to the continued economic development of Virginia. We should not be discouraging opportunities that generate a massive amount of new commercial tax revenue and also create thousands of high paying jobs for hardworking Virginians. The most recent biennial report from the Northern Virginia Technology Council stated that the data center industry generates, across the state, more than $1 billion in local tax revenue plus an additional $174.2 million in state taxes. These numbers will only grow with more demand. Please oppose HB1986. Your opposition will allow Virginia to continue to lead the nation in technological infrastructure.

- DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements and to target one specific project is unfair. - Data centers shouldn't be treated differently than any other commercial development when it comes to stormwater management. - This bill is a clear attempt by opponents of this specific land use case to circumvent the vote by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, thus removing local control on land use cases. - Onerous requirements on these data centers will send a chilling effect throughout the business community that Virginia legislators can target certain projects they don't like and punish those businesses

Doesn't Danica Roem care about property rights? Doesn't she care about jobs, commercial taxes, attainable housing, and lower home income taxes? Does she think this so-called additional and unnecessary "protection" of the already enormous parks in Prince William are more important than our resident's wellbeing? This bill is ludicrous and self-serving. I hope you see through the BS and vote it down.

My name is Nicholas Ewing from the Gainesville and i oppose HB 1986. This has been studied for two years and decisions were made that are reduce peak flow runoff from stormwater more extensively than ever before. It would not be worth usurping local government authority to do this. This seems to be one neighborhoods attempt to avoid the slight irritation of driving by construction on their way home.

DEQ has provided sufficient storm water management for many years. It would be inappropriate and detrimental to the economic growth of the Commonwealth of Virginia ant large and Prince William County in particular to now treat Data Center developers differently than any other commercial development project. The State of Virginia is a “technology” state and we should recognize the enviable position that affords us relative to the rest of the nation. Having haphazard obstructionist bills forwarded by Senators who seem to have no grasp on the enormity that Data Storage is to our state and local economies is embarrassing. Please VOTE NO on HB 1986.

Oppose HB 1986 . DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements in place. It would be inappropriate to treat Data Centers differently than any other commercial development project. Pageland Lane already has a 3 million sq. ft. Data Center complex called Gainesville Crossing next door to the Manassas Battlefield Park and Conway Forest Park which was unanimously approved by our Board in 2019 and was unopposed by any of our State Delegate including Del Roem and Senator Petersen. This Bill is Bad for All Virginians! This bill is an attempt by Delegate Roem to 'Kill" an economic opportunity in PWC to appease a group of 30 retirement residents and gain notoriety. As a result she will KILL the Data Center opportunity in all of Virginia. Del. Roem represents approx. 200 residents on Pageland Lane and has ignored their requests to meet and know the facts of this great economic and public benefit initiative. PWC's commercial tax base is 15% vs 35-40% of our neighboring Fairfax and Loudoun County, It's a great opportunity to bring PWC more in line with typical commercial ratios to reduce the burden on our residential tax. Data Centers are being sought after by every county in Virginia. 60 year Resident of PWC and retired teacher

I’m Laurie Snyder from Prince William County and I oppose HB 1984. I’m familiar with the decisions the county made in amending the comprehensive plan to allow the Prince William County Digital Gateway. After 2 years of extensive study, they decided to reduce peak flow runoff from stormwater from data centers to an amount that is far more stringent than current requirements and they also instituted measures to work with the Water Authority on reducing contaminants.  There is no reason for the State to interfere in this decision. Furthermore, it makes no sense whatsoever to impose stricter requirements within 1 mile of federal and state parks. In fact, the true purpose of this bill is to eliminate from the data center area the property that is next to Heritage Hunt, a development for retirees. The county’s plan, however, provides for a 40 acre, forested buffer between those properties. More importantly, the residents of Heritage Hunt have already vigorously contested the digital gateway at the local level. That they didn’t get their way provides no justification for the State to interfere in local politics. Please do not allow this otherwise pointless, senseless bill to go forward. Laurie Snyder Prince William County

I oppose HB 1986 Stormwater regulations already exist on the local level.  Expanding these regulations to a one-mile radius around national parks and Virginia state forests is a gross overreach of authority and a blatant attempt to obstruct the Prince William Digital Gateway by the author of this bill. The breadth of study should remain a matter for local government.   

Please oppose this Bill. Our County Board of Supervisors and our County Staff have undertaken exhaustive efforts studying all aspects of the proposed land use. Our county amended its Comprehensive Plan to target the Data Center industry in this area where Power and fiber can serve this industry well. Our County commercial tax revenue falls way short of a healthy level. Our Northern Va neighbors to the north and west have benefited greatly from this industry without the negative impacts claimed by this bills sponsor. It’s time PW County use this opportunity to increase our commercial tax base with an industry that doesn’t create significant students and traffic yet will serve to help us better our schools and roads and reduce residential tax burdens. Please vote no in consideration of this bill Thank you for your consideration

I’m Patricia Leone from Prince William county, and I oppose Delegate Roem’s Bill HB1986 targeting Data Centers and stormwater. After attending all our Board of Supervisors public meetings on the Prince William Digital Gateway project, I can attest to the Board’s exhaustive two-year study of the environmental impacts. Among the results of their study is a mandate to reduce peak flow runoff from stormwater to what it was 200 years ago when the entire area was forested. This exceeds current requirements. They’ve also instituted measures to work with the Water Authority on reducing contaminants. With the current zoning restrictions of 10 acres, the only alternative is to sell 10-acre lots with wells and septic systems that would be far more detrimental to water quality than data centers. We elected our Board to make local decisions, not the State. So why should the State interfere with local land use decisions? This sets a bad precedent. Please vote NO to House Bill 1986. It will adversely affect not only Prince William County but also every county in Virginia.

Data Centers offer great jobs and tax revenue. We don't need to try and push them out of our counties. Please vote No for HB 1986. Thank you. Beverly Parsons

Vote No on HB 1986. This is just another attempt by the retired communities to keep things as they are and they don't give a darn about schools, jobs, and economic prosperity for our county. I'm surprised that Democrat Roem is sanctioning this. Maybe it's all about the votes and the media attention?

I got an alert about this bill (1986) and strongly disagree with its implications. Is Delegate Danica Roem saying that our own county government is too inept to make their own land use decisions? This is a real slap in the face. Our Board are the people who know what's best for our county, not the State Legislature.

Further protection for Manassas Battlefield Park? Heck, they already own an enormous chunk of Prince William County. And now you're thinking about extending their holdings de facto by telling people they can't do anything with their property? This is just not right.

I am really looking forward to the approval of the Prince William Digital Gateway. I would love for our county to have the commercial tax base that would really help us out. It will also help us get jobs in construction near where we live, instead of having to commute to Maryland like I do now. This bill would stop this great opportunity. I've been reading the papers about the Digital Gateway and it sounds like every person on Pageland Lane is for it.

What!?!?! This is one bad bill. It is thoughtless and short sighted. Not to mention stupid in that it will screw up local land use decisions everywhere. Vote NO.

Please oppose HB 1986. Del Roem is my representative in the House, and I am very disappointed that she is trying to inflict her aggressive stance on destroying data centers for her own self-aggrandizement. This bill stinks. It will hurt Prince William County economically and for jobs. And it just won't hurt us, it has the potential to hurt all counties in VA. Thank you.

Thank you, Chair Head and Committee members, for the opportunity for me to speak concerning HB 1986. My name is page Snyder and I live in Prince William County. Delegate Roem, who has introduced this bill, is my representative in the House. Although I voted for her and agree with her on many issues, I do not agree with her on this one. I do not think the State has any business interfering and legislating on local land use issues. Approval of this bill would set a bad precedent against local governing bodies' authority. I can't imagine that the localities you represent would be happy about this. The State Water Control Board and Prince William County already have stringent regulations that control storm water management. It is irresponsible for this bill to impose a one-mile limit of stricter regulations for some areas. Keep in mind that this one-mile limit will encompass far more than one linear mile, since it will extend in ALL directions. My family and I have owned our farm next to the Manassas Battlefield Park for 5 generations. I feel that this bill is a personal attack on my family as well as Delegate Roem's other 200 constituents who live near the Battlefield who would be impacted. I am very disappointed that before she introduced this bill, Del Roem did not do her due diligence in her failure to meet with the property owners in our county who would be affected. And personally. I think this bill is an overreaching attempt to interfere in local land use decisions in order to garner votes for Del Roem's upcoming Senate election. i am sick of people and government trying to steal my property rights. This bill is bad business for very everyone in the Commonwealth. Please, vote it down now or at least defer until you get input from your own districts. Thank you

I oppose HB 1986. DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements in place. It would be inappropriate to treat Data Centers differently than any other commercial development project. Pageland Lane already has a 3 million sq. ft. Data Center complex called Gainesville Crossing next door to the Manassas Battlefield Park and Conway Forest Park which was unanimously approved by our Board in 2019 and was unopposed by any of our State Delegate including Del Roem and Senator Petersen. Thank you. Phyllis Thompson 50 year resident PWC.

Oppose HB 1986: DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements in place. It would be inappropriate to treat Data Centers differently than any other commercial development project. Pageland Lane already has a 3 million sq. ft. Data Center complex called Gainesville Crossing next door to the Manassas Battlefield Park and Conway Forest Park which was unanimously approved by our Board in 2019 and was unopposed by any of our State Delegate including Del Roem and Senator Petersen. Thank you Mr. Bev Davis 70 year resident PWC.

Oppose HB 1986 . DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements in place. It would be inappropriate to treat Data Centers differently than any other commercial development project. Pageland Lane already has a 3 million sq. ft. Data Center complex called Gainesville Crossing next door to the Manassas Battlefield Park and Conway Forest Park which was unanimously approved by our Board in 2019 and was unopposed by any of our State Delegate including Del Roem and Senator Petersen. Garland Williams 50 year PWC resident.

DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements in place. It would be inappropriate to treat Data Centers differently than any other commercial development project. Pageland Lane already has a 3 million sq. ft. Data Center complex called Gainesville Crossing next door to the Manassas Battlefield Park and Conway Forest Park which was unanimously approved by our Board in 2019 and was unopposed by any of our State Delegate including Del Roem and Senator Petersen. Mary Lawson 7 generation PWC resident.

DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements in place. It would be inappropriate to treat Data Centers differently than any other commercial development project. Pageland Lane already has a 3 million sq. ft. Data Center complex called Gainesville Crossing next door to the Manassas Battlefield Park and Conway Forest Park which was unanimously approved by our Board in 2019 and was unopposed by any of our State Delegate including Del Roem and Senator Petersen. This Bill is Bad for All Virginians! This bill is an attempt by Delegate Roem to 'Kill" an economic opportunity in PWC to appease a group of 30 retirement residents and gain notoriety. As a result she will KILL the Data Center opportunity in all of Virginia. Del. Roem represents approx. 200 residents on Pageland Lane and has ignored their requests to meet and know the facts of this great economic and public benefit initiative. PWC's commercial tax base is 15% vs 35-40% of our neighboring Fairfax and Loudoun County, It's a great opportunity to bring PWC more in line with typical commercial ratios to reduce the burden on our residential tax. Data Centers are being sought after by every county in Virginia. 80 year Resident of PWC.

DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements in place. It would be inappropriate to treat Data Centers differently than any other commercial development project. Pageland Lane already has a 3 million sq. ft. Data Center complex called Gainesville Crossing next door to the Manassas Battlefield Park and Conway Forest Park which was unanimously approved by our Board in 2019 and was unopposed by any of our State Delegate including Del Roem and Senator Petersen. This Bill is Bad for All Virginians! This bill is an attempt by Delegate Roem to 'Kill" an economic opportunity in PWC to appease a group of 30 retirement residents and gain notoriety. As a result she will KILL the Data Center opportunity in all of Virginia. Del. Roem represents approx. 200 residents on Pageland Lane and has ignored their requests to meet and know the facts of this great economic and public benefit initiative. PWC's commercial tax base is 15% vs 35-40% of our neighboring Fairfax and Loudoun County, It's a great opportunity to bring PWC more in line with typical commercial ratios to reduce the burden on our residential tax. Data Centers are being sought after by every county in Virginia. Resident of PWC VA.

DEQ already has stringent storm water management requirements in place. It would be inappropriate to treat Data Centers differently than any other commercial development project. Pageland Lane already has a 3 million sq. ft. Data Center complex called Gainesville Crossing next door to the Manassas Battlefield Park and Conway Forest Park which was unanimously approved by our Board in 2019 and was unopposed by any of our State Delegate including Del Roem and Senator Petersen. This Bill is Bad for All Virginians! This bill is an attempt by Delegate Roem to 'Kill" an economic opportunity in PWC to appease a group of 30 retirement residents and gain notoriety. As a result she will KILL the Data Center opportunity in all of Virginia. Del. Roem represents approx. 200 residents on Pageland Lane and has ignored their requests to meet and know the facts of this great economic and public benefit initiative. PWC's commercial tax base is 15% vs 35-40% of our neighboring Fairfax and Loudoun County, It's a great opportunity to bring PWC more in line with typical commercial ratios to reduce the burden on our residential tax. Data Centers are being sought after by every county in Virginia.

I am writing to encourage your support for HB 1986, which your Committee will consider on Tuesday morning. This common sense legislation shall: • Require any land disturbance related to the construction, expansion, or operation of enterprise data center operations that is located within one mile of any land (i) owned or operated as a unit of the National Park Service or (ii) designated as a Virginia State Park or state forest to infiltrate, evaporate, or reuse the predicted stormwater runoff volume that exceeds the stormwater runoff volume experienced at such site prior to such land disturbance Responsible data center siting and environmental stewardship is essential if we are to live in harmony with these necessary industrial facilities. Citizens throughout the Commonwealth require the reasonable precautions this bill prescribes to ensure that growth of this industry is managed in a prudent manner which protects our natural and historic assets. Thank you.

My non-partisan mantra on it in NY was that everyone benefits from clarity in employment policies. Employers benefit from the resource and a more uniform standard than judicial precedents often offer for meeting their responsibilities. Workers understand their rights. If and when cases do arise, minimum expectations on both parties are more clear, ideally, narrowing legal questions to expedite consideration and reduce the burden and potential uncertainty of judicial resolutions on everyone. The cost of harassment is already carried not just by employees who experience it, but by all employees, employers, the state’s court and agency administration and impact on the labor force broadly.

Good afternoon members of the subcommittee, My name is Mel Borja and I am the Worker Power Policy Analyst with The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis. We support HB2087 because our research demonstrates the importance paid sick leave working families. Thank you.

Catherine Wilkinson, Wachapreague, VA My health concerns mean that getting pregnant could kill me. Keeping contraceptive costs as low as possible is not only a matter of human dignity and economic justice, but also life and death. I urge you to support and vote for HB 2089, thank you!

Dr. Rachna Vanjani, OBGYN - Burke, VA Hello, I am an OBGYN who just started working at Whole Woman's Health in Alexandria, Virginia. Previously, I was working in California. I provide comprehensive reproductive health care and am surprised at the barriers to contraception in the state of Virginia. I have noticed that patients are unable to quickly have access to larc devices because it needs to be pre-approved by their insurance, they need to answer a phone call and confirm they want the contraceptive, and only then will the device be shipped to the clinic so that the patient may receive it. This is a lengthy, unnecessary process. Some patients may miss the phone call and then the device never reaches the clinic. patients sometimes have to wait weeks to receive the contraception and then can get pregnant in the interval. This is an unnecessary burden and should change. access to contraception should be easy and convenient. I urge you to vote for HB 2089.

Judy Johnson – Charlottesville, VA Hello, my name is Judy Johnson and I reside in Charlottesville, VA. I believe that it is my right to decide my personal reproductive health care choices. It is a given for all Virginians and not subject to the votes of politicians who are not medical providers or physicians . I urge you to support HB 2089. Thank you.

Catherine Wilkinson, Wachapreague, VA My health concerns mean that getting pregnant could kill me. Keeping contraceptive costs as low as possible is not only a matter of human dignity and economic justice, but also life and death. I urge you to support and vote for HB 2089, thank you!

Faith Alejandro, Richmond, VA Please support HB 2089 to make prescription contraception more accessible and empower women and birthing persons everywhere with the ability to plan their families according to their circumstance and means. It’s a critical way for helping to support healthy families in Virginia! I urge you to vote for HB 2089, thank you.

Amanda Mileur- Norfolk, VA Good afternoon members of the committee. My name is Amanda Mileur and I reside in Norfolk, VA. I live a good life. I have a safe and secure place to live, enough to eat, clothes on my back and a stable income that allows me to travel and enjoy my leisure time. I credit my access to reproductive healthcare as one of the biggest factors that allowed me to achieve financial security. Without the ability to manage my own reproductive health, none of this would be possible. All people deserve and are due the same level of access to reproductive healthcare, and the same ability to achieve a stable, secure life. I urge you to vote for HB 2089, thank you!

Rebecca Barwick – Norfolk, VA Hello, My name is Rebecca Barwick and I live in Norfolk, VA. As a transgender woman, I know what it is to have my right to healthcare be a topic of political debate. I stand in solidarity with people whose right to reproductive choice is treated as something for others to vote on, rather than the fundamental human right it is. By protecting reproductive freedom, this legislature will be giving individuals, rather than the government, control over their bodies. I urge you to vote for HB 2089. Thank you.

Rebecca Leser – Norfolk, VA Good Morning, My name is Rebbeca Leser and I reside in Norfolk, VA. Just as access to healthcare must be an essential right for every person, women must be entrusted to bodily autonomy and to make the best decision for her health in consultation with her doctor. Abortion care is healthcare and must be protected. I strongly support repealing the ban on abortion coverage on the state insurance exchange. I urge you to vote for HB 2089. Thank you.

Dr. Rachna Vanjani, OBGYN - Burke, VA Hello, I am an OBGYN who just started working at Whole Woman's Health in Alexandria, Virginia. Previously, I was working in California. I provide comprehensive reproductive health care and am surprised at the barriers to contraception in the state of Virginia. I have noticed that patients are unable to quickly have access to larc devices because it needs to be pre-approved by their insurance, they need to answer a phone call and confirm they want the contraceptive, and only then will the device be shipped to the clinic so that the patient may receive it. This is a lengthy, unnecessary process. Some patients may miss the phone call and then the device never reaches the clinic. patients sometimes have to wait weeks to receive the contraception and then can get pregnant in the interval. This is an unnecessary burden and should change. access to contraception should be easy and convenient. I urge you to vote for HB 2089.

Christine Payne, Nurse Practitioner - Williamsburg, VA As a nurse of over 30 years, my first job out of college was as a staff nurse on the Women's Health Unit at Yale. Among those in my care were women undergoing abortions for a variety of reasons. Each woman's pregnancy impacted their physical, mental and socioeconomic well-being. Each decision to terminate was made in private, with the advice and counsel of healthcare providers, every woman equally deserving of respect and care. As a mother of 2 young adult women, I am an ardent supporter of their right to reproductive autonomy and know that our financial security and insurance status affords them access to both hormonal contraceptives to prevent pregnancy and access to abortion care, in the event of an unplanned pregnancy. Women's Health is a right, not a privilege based on socioeconomic or insurance status. In light of the pandemic, with the resultant job and insurance coverage losses, disparities between those with access to a full complement of women's health initiatives and those without have been exacerbated. New legislation in Virginia's General Assembly to address these disparities and increase equitable access among women in the Commonwealth is essential to the health and well being of our communities. I am in full support of the abovementioned legislation and urge members of both the House of Delegates and the Senate to vote in favor of legislation intended to provide equitable distribution of healthcare to all the women in our Commonwealth. I urge you to please support HB 2089! Thank you!

Ask anyone you know who has used hormonal contraception in the last 30+ years (prior to that there were limited medication options available), and if they trusted you enough, they could tell about the journey they went on with their medical provider(s) to find the right medication that best suited their body, health, life circumstances, and lifestyle. Too often for some people, the best paths on that journey are gate-kept by insurance companies looking to make a buck by questioning the decisions of doctors and their patients. It happened to me when I was in grad school. People who are income insecure do not have the right to confer with their doctor and choose the form of hormonal contraception that is best for them. Instead (just like parents in the 60s and 70s, but maybe unlike your kids) their options are limited. They are incentivized to choose between the medications that are fully covered, significantly restricting their access to medical best practices and the care we all deserve. Those limitations can subsequently affect their health, security, and economic potential. In Virginia, our government representatives have wisely stood up to insurance companies and told them they cannot second guess their coverage of the medical care provided in hospitals at the request of doctors citing best practices. It is with that same spirit, so many of us request that you do so again now, to ensure full access for all Virginians to the contraceptive coverage we all deserve (and that your kids probably already have).

HB2089 | Strongly support: Medications considered contraceptives are utilized for a myriad of purposes related to women's health other than strictly birth control. If the government and the public would like for there to be fewer abortions, then access to birth control is a necessity. Allowing persons to limit others' access to contraceptives for religious reasons is an egregious violation of the separation of church and state and an overreach of the restricting parties religious rights. Additionally, providing contraceptives at reasonable costs (or even free) reduces public spending on other social programs and provides stability and control for those in need. Please pass this bill. Thank you for taking my comments into consideration.

Writing in strong support of this bill. The Virginia Colorectal Cancer Roundtable works tirelessly to increase screening rates in Virginia, and the Southwest region where I live has the lowest rate of screening in the state. All options for screening should be fully available to all citizens, and non-invasive screenings are critical to reducing the burden of this disease. Financial risk can be a major factor in patient decisions around healthcare, and the current paradigm around stool-based tests inhibits us from increasing our screening rate.

As a nurse navigator for colorectal oncology, I understand the importance of colorectal screening for prevention of this disease. I am in full support of Bill 2356 to improve access to colorectal screening for Virginians.

To: Del. Delores McQuinn Virginia Commerce and Energy Subcommittee RE: HB 2356 Dear Delegate McQuinn and Members of the Virginia Commerce and Energy Subcommittee: I am writing to support in the strongest possible way the passage of HB 2356 to assure insurance coverage of colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45 and coverage of colonoscopy as part of the follow-up of positive initial screens. I am a primary care physician at the University of Virginia and serve as Chair of the Guideline Development Group for the American Cancer Society. I was lead author of the American Cancer Society's 2018 Colorectal Cancer Screening Guideline that recommended lowering the starting age from 50 to 45. This was based on the fact that a rapidly increasing number of young people are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, and is extremely preventable with regular screening. In my practice, I have seen many individuals diagnosed with late-stage, incurable colorectal cancer in their early 50's, which would have been prevented by starting screening at age 45. We have several extremely effective screening tests, including stool-based testing, which can be done in the comfort of the individual's home & without taking time off from work, which is a particularly important consideration for the many Virginians who may not live near a health care facility, and/or who don't have time to take off from work. However, if their initial screening test is positive, it is critical that their insurance covers the follow-up colonoscopy, since lack of coverage is a frequently cited barrier to getting the colonoscopy that would save their lives. HB 2356 would address both the earlier starting age of 45 years as well as the insurance coverage for colonoscopy to follow-up a positive initial screening test. I urge you to pass this bill to help save the lives of thousands of Virginians over the coming years. Sincerely, Andrew M.D. Wolf, MD Albemarle County, Virginia

Colorectal Cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related death in the US, impacting over 50,000 americans and 5,000 Virginians every year. This disease is preventable. As a Colorectal surgeon and member of the Virginia Colorectal Cancer round table, I strongly support this bill. The USPSTF, American cancer society, and other professional societies have recommended lowering the age of colonoscopy screening to 45 years in average risk adults. Bill 2356 will support access to screening services and reduce cost of colonoscopy for positive non-invasive screening test. This will help us achieve our mission of having as many patients as possible screened for a preventable cancer.

I am a Registered Nurse working every day to increase colorectal screening rates in Virginia. Since the recommended screening age for colorectal cancer has been lowered to 45 years of age, more of my patients are asking for at-home stool-based testing. These younger patients are working full-time with busy work/family schedules and do not have the time or financial stability to take an entire day off for a colonoscopy. The option to test at home, has not only increased screening rates, but has saved lives due to early detection. However, when a positive non-invasive (stool based) test requires a follow-up colonoscopy to complete the screening, the patient should NOT feel the burden of cost. The CRC screening coverage mentioned in HB 2356, is covered at the federal level by CMS and through the ACA. I am requesting approval of HB 2356 at the state level to assure that all Virginians can be screened for colorectal cancer beginning age 45 without the burden of cost sharing.

Hitting Cancer Below the Belt is a colorectal cancer prevention non-profit based in Richmond and serving the Commonwealth of Virginia. Through our work in communities across the state we encounter much hesitation by our citizens to screen for colorectal cancer which is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women. Early detection saves lives and timely screening is being hampered by the cost-sharing issue our citizens currently face. For example, many patients opt for an easy, in-home colorectal cancer screening test which is a stool-based test. If the stool based test is positive the patient must complete their screening with a colonoscopy. It is critical to complete the screening process, but without HB2356 the patients are left with a large out of pocket cost! This cost causes financial challenges AND has become a huge barrier to screening for our nation's second cancer killer Colorectal cancer can be prevented through timely screening. We save not only lives, but billions of dollars in health care costs when we detect cancer at the early stage or remove the chance of a cancer developing through colonoscopy. Please support HB2356 and follow the federal guidance already established in regards to screening for colorectal cancer. Save lives, save money. It's a win-win.

As a colon cancer survivor, I strongly support this bill to ensure that all Virginians can be fully screened for colorectal cancer (including receiving a colonoscopy after a positive stool or other non-invasive test) beginning age 45 without the burden of cost sharing. I strongly support passage of HB 2356. Hartley Jones 6401 29th St. N Arlington, VA 22207

Comments Document

Letter of Support for HB2356

Today should have been my mother's 65th birthday. In 2008, she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. She was operated on immediately and had part of her colon removed. She received chemo, radiation, and immunotherapy for 4 years. I will be 44 this year. Initially, I was told that I needed to wait until I was 40 to receive my first test. When I turned 40, I was told the age had been increased to 45. I explained to my primary care doctor that I was considered high risk due to my family history. Still, no support. In 2021, my mother passed from cancer. I still have yet to receive a screening for this deadly disease. I urge you to pass this bill.