They communities allowing data centers close to populated areas should have planned in the use of clean power such as solar or wind. There are many areas suitable for these energy consuming centers where there is space for wind fields or even the unsightly wires and structures to carry energy from far off places Beter yet put these centers in the boondocks.

We are about to open our Christmas tree farm and will host many from inner city areas who come here for the fresh air and a long look at the beautiful Blue Ridge. As farmers we are already putting up with greatly increased growth and stress from increased value of farmland as farmland shrinks.  Farmers will sell out, ask for rezoning to sell expensive lots, slowly making the counties around here to looking like Fairfax. When more stoplights are put up and farmland is harder to reach, and the area starts to look more commercial our customers will stay home.  Our crops suffer from pollution also. Va. Tech will tell you that our trees will show the stress of pollution....to say nothing of our lungs. We are outside all day breathing in what we allow to go into the air locally.  Just think this through! Sally MelloMT