STEPHENS CITY — Several dozen people attended a recent presentation on the “Impact of the Data Center Boom on Virginia Communities” sponsored by a newly formed group called Winchester-area Interfaith Stewards of the Earth (WISE).

Guest speaker Julie Bolthouse, director of land use for the Piedmont Environmental Council, which was formed in 1972 to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, discussed the current and future state of the data center industry in relation to Generative AI (GEN AI), the extent of data centers in Virginia, and the resources they use. She also told the audience at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley near Stephens City that she believes current restrictions surrounding the data center industry are not adequate.

An em

See Full Page