It isn't clear how this variance -- which extends diesel generator use to the data center industry in an already crumbling infrastructure -- will improve our state carbon footprint. One would think our health and collective carbon footprint would be better served by requiring the data center industry to come up with more practical and environmentally friendly alternatives that do not toss out harmful pollutants. 

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality was created to protect the public -- not to meet the needs of a billion dollar industry that has the money, abilities, and one would think research and development to properly run their centers in an environmentally way that lowers, not heightens, possible health impacts to humans and wildlife. Prince William Conservation Alliance urges DEQ to require the data center industry fall in line with existing guidelines. Whether or not it costs the data center industry should not be of our or DEQ's concern. The cost of human health and environmental safety should be paramount, concurrent with the DEQ mission.