Stop Using Data Centers to Threaten Samuels Public Library Supporters

As someone who is genuinely wary of data centers – primarily because of the uranium extraction/disposal process and the environmental impacts caused by construction of SMRs – I find it baffling that local conservatives have tried to annex and weaponize the issue with amplified confidence, but none of them have ever really approached the subject with any substantive talking points. One might get the impression these folks are more interested in distraction through fear-mongering in a desperate attempt to condemn candidates who support Samuels Public Library.

I attended an in-depth training summit led by Southwest Virginia Nuclear Watch, participated in regular discussions with environmental justice groups and technology experts across the nation, and have met with policy makers on Capitol Hill about the topic several times as a member of The Alliance for Appalachia federal team. More recently, I’ve been interviewing VA House of Delegates candidates on the New Rural Virginia Podcast, sharing perspectives and concerns of rural districts across the Commonwealth.

There is certainly a very real and complex conversation to be had about the pros, cons, payoffs, and ramifications regarding data centers, and I promise to be there for it.

When the time truly comes to make those decisions, y’all can expect me to show up – with facts.

I’d much rather propound and deliberate on such an important issue with rational adults like Cheryl Cullers, Hugh Henry, and Tony Carter.

Furthermore, manipulating the rhetoric to imply voters must choose between saving a public library and constructing a data center is idiocy and damn right insulting to the community.

Sit down, children. Grown folks are talking.

Parson Brown
Warren County, VA

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