Thursday, January 2, 2025

Data Centers, Pot Laws, and Naming a Hippo

The state's energy consumption may soar in the coming years to support the growing needs of computers and data centers.
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Top Stories

Article Icon 1 Our Power Hungry Data Centers

While electric bills sometimes rise this time of year to power our holiday lights, the state's energy consumption may soar in the coming years to support the growing needs of computers and data centers.

A report released last month by the Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission examines the future power demands of data centers. "Demand could increase faster than new generation is being added. Regional reserve capacity is expected to be insufficient by 2030," concluded project leader Mark Gribbin.

The report found that Northern Virginia hosts 13% of the planet's data center capacity and a quarter of the capacity used in this hemisphere.

Data centers create jobs and generate tax revenue, but the report recommends setting some boundaries: The state should mandate that the needs of residential customers be prioritized if power demand exceeds capacity and that the data centers should share Dominion Energy's infrastructure costs.

Article Icon 1The State of Cannabis Laws

The new year may bring changes to Virginia's cannabis policies.

Two Democratic state lawmakers, Del. Paul Krizek and Sen. Aaron Rouse, have announced plans to reintroduce their bill to establish "a framework for the creation of a retail marijuana market in the Commonwealth, to be administered by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority." Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed that bill the last time it passed, and he is expected to do so again.

In February, the owner of a Charlottesville-based shop, "Higher Education," is scheduled to be sentenced for openly selling cannabis and mushrooms. She could face up to 160 years in prison under the state's current drug laws.

It is legal in Virginia to grow and possess a small amount of cannabis but not to sell it. Possession of more than a pound can bring criminal charges. Still, many places sell openly, including locations in Abingdon and Marion.

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Around Virginia

➤ Mosley: The Richmond Zoo announced there is not yet a winner in its contest to name its newly-born pygmy hippo. None of the four options reached 50% of the vote, so the contest will be extended to Saturday. Voters can now choose between "Poppy" or "Hammie Mae." (Details)

➤ Richmond: State Sen. Barbara A. Favola, a Democrat representing Arlington County, has introduced a bill that would require the Board of Education to develop Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in languages other than English. (Read the Bill)

➤ Norfolk: The Vessel Disposal and Reuse Foundation works to get rid of abandoned boats on Naval Station Norfolk property. It has removed at least 70 boats so far. (More)   

➤ Landover, Md.: After the Washington Commanders beat Atlanta to secure a playoff berth, safety Jeremy Reaves enjoyed another success. The 28-year-old proposed to his girlfriend Mikaela Worley right there on the field, and she accepted. (Details)

➤ Roanoke: The city plans to begin constructing a whitewater park in the Roanoke River this year. When completed in 2026, the facility will be the first in-river whitewater park in the state. (Details)  

➤ Northern Virginia: According to CNBC, the most expensive ZIP codes in the state are Great Falls (22066), McLean (22101), and Arlington (22207). (Details)

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The Poll

Should Virginia change its "legal to possess, illegal to sell" cannabis law?

  1. Yes
  2. No


Wednesday's Results:

Will you visit a state park today? 

  1. Yes: 44.6%
  2. No: 55.4%
Virginia Trivia

When was the last time a Washington, D.C., NFL team won a playoff game?

Show me the answer

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