Statement From Tony Howard, President, Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, on a Proposed Three-Year Moratorium on Data Center Development
A statement released today by Loudoun Chamber President & CEO, Tony Howard.
“A three-year statewide moratorium on data center development – regardless of the merits of a prospective application and a local community’s willingness to embrace the benefits of the project – would send jobs and investment to other states and damage Virginia’s reputation as a trustworthy place to do business. statewide
The Loudoun Chamber strongly opposes Senate Bill 843.
State lawmakers must recognize that Virginia competes with other states for jobs, workers, and investment. We need lawmakers focused on strengthening our economy, not halting investments that will cost us jobs, tax dollars, and economic opportunities.
Business leaders and investors across the country are watching. If Virginia shuts the door on an industry in which we are a global leader, employers in every sector will rightfully question whether they can rely on us.
In an era when Federal Administration policies continue to inflict economic pain on Northern Virginia’s families, this is exactly the wrong policy to pursue.
Protecting communities and ratepayers requires clear standards, responsible planning, and infrastructure investment. We urge lawmakers to address those challenges while preserving local authority, avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches, and keeping Virginia open for business.”