Enough is enough with Virginia politicians and governmental authorities placating the Data Center lobby.  Whether it is at the State level or local level it is a worrying and disturbing trend.  And it is not in the interests of the citizens of Virginia from a health, environmental, safety, or cost perspective.

There should be no expansion of the use of diesel generators under any circumstances, and to countenance any such expansion defies logic.   The definition of "sudden and reasonably unforeseeable" should not be expanded; to do so flies in the face of the definition to begin with because to do so just transforms something that was supposed to be limited and a use of last resort into something much more common with increased adverse impacts to the health and safety of Virginia citizens.  Why would DEQ consider, promulgate, or support any idea that is going to increase pollution which is certainly the natural result of the increased use of diesel generators thru an expanded definition of the term above.

Frankly, I, along with an increasing number of  Virginia citizens, do not understand why there is this recurring and habitual kow-towing to the Data Center lobby and their advocates by politicians and governmental agencies who are supposed to serve the people not rich corporate interests.   I recognize that there is a need for  "smart growth" and everything is a balancing act but it sure seems like the scales of justice are overwhelmingly favoring corporate interests at the expense of citizen interests.  Expanding a definition that will result in more noise, pollution, and unknown risks is yet just another poor example of this trend.  In short, DEQ should not expand the definition at issue.

I'm also curious if DEQ has even thought of the ramifications of this proposal before they even offered it.  How does it align with DEQ's mission to protect and enhance the environment of Virginia?  How many data centers would be impacted and be able to take advantage of this and increase diesel generator use?  What is the estimated increased adverse impacts on the environment?   Will there be enhanced air monitoring?  And who is going to foot the bill for any adverse environmental, safety, and health impacts that could result from this?  The Data Centers? DEQ?  Maybe DEQ should think long and hard about the foreseeable and unforeseeable consequences of this expanded definition and who is going to be responsible for them other than the citizens of Virginia.  

Enough is enough with these data centers and proposals to benefit them and make their lives easier at the risk of making our lives worse.  Whether it is the proliferation of data centers all thru Virginia, or proposals like this one, it always seems like things are done or proposed to make things easier for the data centers and their proponents.  NO MORE leniency for data centers.  There needs to be a much more balanced approach to these issues that puts Virginia, and its beauty and citizens, first. Thanks for the opportunity to comment.