Technology
- The main lesson from DEQ’s groundwater report: Virginia must budget to live within environmental limits
The timing of the release of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s report on groundwater availability last month was suspicious, given that it was completed in January but not made available to lawmakers or the public until several months after the General Assembly’s legislative session. The science presented in the report is impressive, while its […]
- What candidates have planned for Virginia’s coast could decide a key congressional race
This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. With Virginia’s Aug. 4 primaries in the rearview mirror, the ballot is set in one of the nation’s most competitive congressional districts. In the state’s second congressional district, Republican […]
- Debate Emerges Over Water Systems for Expanding Data Centers
A recent public meeting addressed the question of requiring closed-loop water systems for new data centers in regions experiencing water scarcity. The speaker referenced a total of 253 data centers in the community, with 250 already in operation. This context framed the discussion on regulating technology expansion while maintaining environmental considerations. The proposal centers on […]
- Loudoun County School Board Holds Meeting on Proposed Transmission Lines
The Loudoun County School Board convened a special meeting at Rock Ridge High School to receive input from residents regarding Dominion Energy’s proposed high-voltage transmission lines. The project aims to support data center operations in the region by connecting substations with new infrastructure spanning approximately nine miles. Attendees voiced specific worries about the routes crossing […]
- Loudoun Supervisor Mike Turner Proposes Mandatory Closed-Loop Water Systems for New Data Centers
Loudoun County Supervisor Mike Turner has proposed that all new data centers incorporate mandatory closed-loop water systems. The suggestion targets the significant water consumption associated with these facilities. Data centers account for 10 percent of the county’s potable water. Most existing operations currently rely on systems that could incorporate closed-loop features. The proposal was pre
- Loudoun County Officials Discuss Data Center Energy Options
Loudoun County Board of Supervisors convened to address questions about data center operators seeking alternatives to grid power. The discussion centered on the potential use of on-site generation methods. Officials examined various technologies that could support the county’s expanding data center sector. Presentations during the meeting referenced specific examples of on-site power projects. One
- Fairfax County School Board Receives Public Input on Equity Staffing and Classroom Technology
The Fairfax County School Board convened for a meeting that included public comments on equity staffing and related educational grants. Robert Shaw participated in the community participation portion to present his views on these topics. His remarks centered on the history and current status of specific programs within the district. Shaw described how five positions […]
- Governor Spanberger Proposes $5 Million for New Digital Bureaucracy, Raising Fiscal Concerns
Governor Abigail Spanberger has proposed a brand new allocation of five million dollars in the upcoming state budget to fund a newly created digital services team. This initiative, aimed at overhauling state agency operations and addressing technical challenges, represents a fresh expansion of the state government apparatus. Fiscal conservatives across Virginia are already raising questions […]
- Virginia Department of Elections Demands Massive Budget Increases Amidst Glaring Fiscal Waste
Virginia taxpayers are facing an increasingly heavy financial burden as the state government proposes significant and questionable budget increases for the Department of Elections. The Administration secretariat, which directly oversees the state electoral department, is slated for a massive 6.5 percent overall General Fund spending increase for the upcoming 2026-2028 biennium. Fiscal conservative
- Virginia Implements Historic $600 Million Data Center Tax to Protect Ratepayers from Big Tech Grid Strain
The state of Virginia has officially implemented a first-of-its-kind statewide energy consumption tax on data centers within the FY2027 budget. This unprecedented measure is projected to generate up to $600 million annually by targeting the massive electricity usage of tech corporations. For years, conservative watchdogs have warned about the unchecked expansion of data centers and […]
- Loudoun County Dedicates Significant Budget Increases to Public Safety and Emergency Operations
Loudoun County has outlined a comprehensive fiscal strategy within its latest financial plan, prioritizing essential public safety operations to ensure core resident protection needs are met. The newly detailed budget allocates a massive portion of its total $5.4 billion framework toward expanding emergency response and law enforcement capabilities. Notably, public safety and judicial administrati
- Virginia Congressman Suhas Subramanyam Discusses Working Relationships in Congress
Representative Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat representing Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, has noted his capacity to work effectively with progressive members of his party. These include individuals associated with efforts to reform or eliminate certain federal immigration enforcement mechanisms. Subramanyam assumed office in January 2025 after serving in the Virginia House of Delegates and
- Virginia moves toward regulating self-driving vehicles amid safety and liability concerns
Virginia is closer to regulating self-driving vehicles, which have steadily increased nationwide despite continued concerns over safety. Despite crashes that have led to restrictions in some areas, other states, such as Arizona and Texas, have continued to permit testing and deployment. With interest in the technology growing in Virginia, lawmakers are trying to get ahead […]
- Parent Raises Concerns Over Chromebook Use at Fairfax County School Board Meeting
A parent spoke during the Fairfax County School Board meeting regarding the impact of school-provided Chromebooks on student learning. The comments focused on how constant digital access may create challenges for attention and focus in educational settings. The presentation included an analogy comparing device availability to a candy bowl placed before students. The speaker noted […]
- Study Examines Radiation Exposure Levels in Children
A 2023 study examined differences in how cell tower radiation is absorbed by children versus adults. Theodora Scarato presented the results highlighting that children experience ten times greater absorption levels. The exposure stems from continuous and involuntary contact in everyday settings. Researchers focused on the implications for developing brains amid expanding wireless networks. The anal
- Fairfax School Board Reviews Carryover Fund for Educational Materials
Fairfax County School Board member Ricardy Anderson provided an overview of the project carryover fund during a recent board meeting. She outlined details about the $166 million amount and its intended purposes within the school system budget. Anderson spoke directly to fellow board members about the status of these resources. The presentation included reference to […]
- Fairfax Public School Board Melanie Meren Discusses Student Screen Time Concerns
Fairfax County Public Schools board member Melanie Meren spoke at a recent hearing about the amount of screen time students encounter through digital learning platforms. She noted that some students may spend up to 13 hours daily on screens as part of their educational activities. Meren described how the shift to online content has replaced […]
- Loudoun County Data Centers Linked to Widespread Power Issues
Loudoun County data centers have been associated with power flickering reported across approximately half the United States. A statement from experts describes the facilities as imposing a substantial load on the electrical grid. This load is said to carry the potential for detrimental effects on overall system performance. Details of the Reported Connection The linkage […]
- Fairfax County School Board Hears Public Input on AI Use in Education
Residents voiced concerns about artificial intelligence in Fairfax County Public Schools during a recent School Board meeting. Speakers focused on data privacy, student screen time, and age-verification requirements for digital tools. The comments took place in a formal session attended by board members and formed part of ongoing community input on educational technology. Data Privacy […]
- Linguistics Expert Addresses Fairfax County School Board on Classroom Screen Time Concerns
A public speaker with a doctorate in linguistics addressed the Fairfax County School Board during a meeting focused on educational practices in the county’s schools. The presentation centered on the use of screens in classrooms and raised questions about their effectiveness in supporting student development. Attendees including board members and members of the public heard […]
- Loudoun School Board Lauren Shernoff Discusses Technology Use for Primary Students
Lauren Shernoff, serving on the Loudoun County School Board, has expressed concerns regarding the amount of screen time experienced by primary students in the district. She recommends the use of device carts as an alternative to issuing individual 1:1 laptops to these young learners. The suggestion seeks to manage technology integration more carefully within Loudoun […]
- Virginia senators request special session to act on ’deeply alarming’ groundwater report
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality released its 117-page legislative report on the state’s groundwater supply east of Interstate 95 this week, which revealed significant levels of strain on the eastern aquifers that could put clean drinking water at risk. “Groundwater supply east of I-95 is constrained, and current projections indicate declining availability in the […]
- Pediatrician and Teacher Raise Concerns Over Screen Time in Fairfax County Schools
A public comment session at the Fairfax County School Board meeting featured a pediatrician who also works as a teacher and behavior analyst. The speaker discussed the potential health effects of technology use in local classrooms. Excessive screen time was described as contributing to a broader health concern for students. The presentation called for reconsideration […]
- Northern Virginia Lawmakers Suhas Subramanyam, James Walkinshaw Receive Tech Contributions Amid Data Center Debates
Northern Virginia has emerged as the world’s largest data center market, with facilities expanding significantly in counties such as Loudoun. Local residents have expressed opposition to additional development of these large-scale operations near residential areas. Three Democratic House members from the region have received campaign contributions from individuals and groups connected to companies
- Amazon Confirmed as Tenant for Starwood Data Centers in Herndon, Virginia
Amazon has been identified as the end customer for new data center facilities under development by Starwood Capital in Herndon, Virginia. The project is located in Fairfax County at the Renaissance Technology Park. Amazon Data Services submitted documentation to the county regarding air permit applications for the sites. This confirmation comes from recent filings that […]
- Brown water, dust and loud noises: Louisa homeowner sues Amazon over data center construction
From the driveway of his Louisa home and business, Austin Newsome sees dozens of dump trucks barrel down Route 33 most days, hauling dirt and other debris. The road is stained rusty red from the soil displaced by the construction of Amazon’s latest data center campus in the county. One day, Newsom said, his neighbor […]
- Need for Volunteer Fire Fighters
This post was originally published on this site.This post was originally published on this site. Walt Bailey, Phenix Fire chief, is encouraging residents to volunteer with their local fire departments and EMS services. Rural communities in the region are struggling to keep enough personnel on hand to respond to emergency situations. Bailey, who has more […]
- Virginia Congressman Addresses Questions on RSS Affiliations and Policy Stances
U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam encountered detailed questioning about his reported associations with groups connected to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in the United States. The interview focused on aspects of his campaign financing, attendance at related events, and his perspective on United States Commission on International Religious Freedom recommendations regarding sanctions on the RS
- Virginia Advances Data Center Projects Amid Concerns Over Energy and Water
Virginia continues to move forward with plans for extensive data center facilities. Projections indicate these centers could double the state’s electricity demand. Water resources may also face additional pressures from the operations. Electric bills for residents are anticipated to rise under current trajectories. No detailed plan has been presented to manage the full scope of […]
- Goochland residents rebuff data center developer Tract ahead of permit application
On Thursday evening, dozens of Goochland residents donned red t-shirts and held signs that spelled out their displeasure with the idea of multiple data centers being built in the county’s technology overlay district that butts up against Mosaic, a 55+ neighborhood that hosts over 500 homes. “We want to make sure that everyone understands that […]
- Education department seeks new student assessment vendor
The Virginia Department of Education took the next step toward replacing its student assessment system, a move estimated to cost the commonwealth at least $30 million a year, after criticism over delayed results, technology access concerns and frequent changes. State and federal laws require all students to take state assessments, unless they qualify for a […]
- Fairfax County School Board Navigates $28.9 Million Gap in FY2027 Budget
The Fairfax County School Board is currently navigating an intense debate regarding resource allocation and budget reductions for the upcoming fiscal year. District administrators were forced to address a $28.9 million budget gap following a lower-than-expected funding transfer from the local government. To balance the fiscal year 2027 budget, officials have proposed significant cuts to […]
- Fairfax County General Fund Swells to $5.98 Billion Amid Union Contracts and School Transfers
The Fairfax County government has unveiled its advertised budget for the upcoming fiscal year, featuring General Fund expenditures that have swelled to nearly $5.98 billion. This substantial increase in department spending is primarily driven by escalating public sector union contracts and massive financial transfers to local schools. Despite these soaring costs, the proposal includes a […]
- Virginia’s New Data Center Tax: A Billion-Dollar Excuse for Government Expansion
Virginia lawmakers have officially adopted a first-of-its-kind statewide energy consumption tax on data centers, sparking concerns among fiscal conservatives about government overreach and unchecked spending. The new levy imposes a $0.011 per kilowatt-hour charge on all electricity consumed by these facilities, which is projected to generate up to $600 million annually for state coffers. While […]
- Virginia’s $5 Million IT Expansion: A Costly Burden on Taxpayers
The newly proposed fiscal year 2027 state budget introduces a massive financial commitment by allocating $5 million in start-up costs for a brand new government technology team. This initiative, known as the Virginia Digital Service, aims to address systemic technical challenges across various state agencies. However, this substantial funding request raises immediate concerns among fiscal […]
- Virginia State Senate Advances Public Safety and Veterans Budget Proposals
The Virginia State Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee has outlined specific amendments to public safety and veterans funding through Senate Bill 29 and Senate Bill 30. These measures propose targeted general fund increases for fiscal years 2026 through 2028. Allocations address operational needs in law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities. Veterans care initiatives also receiv
- Prince William County Schools Announce $2.9 Billion Budget Featuring Major Technology and Robotics Investments
The Prince William County Public Schools system is set to advance its technological capabilities through a newly proposed $2.9 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This substantial financial plan includes significant allocations for state-of-the-art robotics centers and immersive learning technologies aimed at modernizing the educational experience. The comprehensive funding package also i
- Fairfax County Restores Funding for Community Programs in FY2027 Budget
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently finalized the fiscal year 2027 budget, restoring critical funding to several community programs that were initially slated for reduction. Following extensive community input, local officials reversed planned cuts to preschool education, senior nutrition, behavioral health, and low-income housing assistance. This financial restoration was made possib
- Fairfax County Allocates $3 Million to Modernize Public Safety Radio Infrastructure
The Fairfax County government has announced a significant financial commitment to upgrade its emergency communications infrastructure. As part of the upcoming budget cycle, an unusual infrastructure investment of $3,000,000 was added to the E-911 fund to refresh the core platform and components that serve public safety subscriber radios. This dedicated funding aims to ensure that […]
- Virginia Democrats Push Massive Budget Expansion Replete With New Taxes and Unprecedented Spending
Governor Abigail Spanberger and Democratic leaders in Richmond have finalized a state budget that drastically expands the size and scope of Virginia government. The newly approved spending plan features a record-shattering $2 billion in new public education funding and creates massive new entitlement programs at the expense of taxpayers. While proponents argue these measures are […]
- Loudoun County Explores Data Center Replacements East of Route 28
Loudoun County is evaluating a proposal to replace hotels and restaurants with data centers in locations east of Route 28. This shift involves changes to commercial land uses in the specified area. Discussions have included analysis of how the transition might affect surrounding infrastructure. Traffic implications form a central part of the ongoing review process. […]
- Balancing Growth and Community Impacts Through Cost-Effective Infrastructure
Loudoun County and broader Northern Virginia face escalating demands for high-voltage transmission infrastructure to support the region’s dense concentration of data centers. Dominion Energy has advanced several projects, including elements of the Loudoun Reliability Loop linking the Aspen, Golden, Mars, and Wishing Star substations near Ashburn. These lines, operating at 500 and 230 kilovolts, ar
- Prince William County Schools Proposes $2.94 Billion Budget with Major Investments in Robotics and Virtual Reality
The Prince William County Public Schools system is charting a new technological course for its students with the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Superintendent LaTanya McDade recently introduced a $2.94 billion funding plan that heavily emphasizes advanced classroom technologies and specialized learning centers. This comprehensive financial blueprint outlines significant investments in augmented
- Loudoun County Dedicates Over $32 Million to Affordable Housing Initiatives in New Budget
Loudoun County officials have officially directed a substantial portion of the newly proposed $5.4 billion budget toward addressing regional affordable housing shortages. The county allocated an initial $29 million directly to the Housing Fund to support a variety of attainable housing initiatives. This major financial commitment utilizes dedicated revenue streams to ensure long-term sustainabilit
- Data centers want to build their own gas turbines. Would that skirt state renewable energy laws?
Virginia’s surging energy demands require more power generation infrastructure to be built, a slow process that’s delaying new data centers waiting to be connected to the grid. Dominion Energy, the state’s largest utility, has an estimated 70 gigawatts worth of projects in their queue that need more power sources online before they can link to […]
- Loudoun County Approves $5.4 Billion Budget for FY2027, Balancing Public Investments with Targeted Tax Relief
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors recently approved a comprehensive $5.4 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027, prioritizing education, public safety, and affordable housing initiatives. This substantial financial plan fully funds a requested $105 million increase for Loudoun County Public Schools, bringing the district’s total operating budget to an unprecedented $2.1 billion. The budget was
- Prince William County Schools Unveil Budget Reallocating Funds to Robotics and Immersive Technologies
The Prince William County Public Schools system has introduced a comprehensive budget that dramatically shifts its educational investments toward advanced technology. This newly proposed financial plan totals an unprecedented $2.9 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. Officials have structured the budget to prioritize cutting-edge educational tools over traditional infrastructure expansion. The pr
- Fairfax County Adopts $5.9 Billion Budget Amid Revenue Shifts and School Funding Debates
The adoption of a $5.9 billion budget in Fairfax County has introduced significant shifts in local government spending and revenue generation. Local officials faced a complex financial landscape, navigating a $131.5 million initial funding gap caused by rapidly declining commercial office property values. To balance the massive budget, the county implemented new consumer taxes while […]
- Fairfax County Proposes $49.1 Million Increase in Personnel Services for FY 2027 Budget
Fairfax County is advancing a proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year that includes a significant net increase of $49.1 million allocated specifically for personnel services. This funding adjustment primarily accounts for the full-year financial impact of newly hired positions that were initially added during the previous fiscal cycle. Local administrators have crafted this financial […]
- Virginia schools gain spending flexibility under federal program
Virginia schools will have greater agency in administrative decisions and flexibility in how they spend federal funds heading into the upcoming school year, potentially affecting low-income student programs and teacher development. Over the past year, the U.S. Department of Education has loosened some rules on how federal Title program funds can be used. In December, […]