On November 3rd, Goochland community members hosted a public informational program “Data Center Impacts Town Hall,” in Henrico County. The event was well attended by concerned residents and elected officials of three counties – Goochland, Henrico and Hanover – all facing the impacts of data center development projects. Attendees heard a powerful statement from United Methodist Church Leadership and a presentation by Tim Cywinski, Communication Director of the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter.
The statement on behalf of the Bishop and Board of Church and Society for the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church detailed their solidarity with community members and their deep concern about the over-development of data center infrastructure in the Commonwealth.
Revered Lisa Sykes read an excerpt from the letter, signed by Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson, the episcopal leader of the Virginia Annual Conference, sharing:
“It is the opinion of the Board of Church and Society of Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church that continued building and using the resources of the Commonwealth of Virginia for new and expanded data centers is not sustainable, nor helpful for the long term health of our Commonwealth’s ecosystems: human, or animal, plant or mineral -and in the integration all of God’s earthly creation.”
Cywinski’s presentation highlighted environmental and economic concerns with data center development. He also took questions from the audience and emphasized the need for transparency from data center developers and the need for community voices to be respected.
Take Action
- Are you part of a group that could write a letter or make a resolution to share with elected officials on behalf of your membership? For example, a PTA or youth recreational sports league could write about the impact of pollution on children playing outside at school or at parks near these facilities.
- Stay informed – see our latest content on data center projects
Learn More
- Read more about the history of activism in the Methodist Church.
