🏠Who are we?
A concerned group of residents in Goochland and adjacent counties are fighting back! Despite overwhelming opposition by citizens, the Goochland County Board of Supervisors passed the Technology Overlay District on November 6, 2025. The TOD rolls out the red carpet to attract massive data center development in the West Creek area, with an experimental NUCLEAR REACTOR and Gas Peaker Plant. SO NOW THE FIGHT HAS BECOME A LEGAL BATTLE! Thanks to the generous initial donations of citizens across Goochland, Hanover, and Henrico an attorney was hired to represent the many concerned citizens whose voices were not heard. Our attorney filed a lawsuit on December 4 charging Goochland County with eight violations in their passing of the TOD. This lawsuit was then served to Goochland County by the Sheriff on December 31. Goochland County hired a legal firm to represent them in this case and requested a 3-week extension to the 21-day response requirement. The new deadline for the County response was then moved to 2/11/26.
We received that 60 page Goochland County response on 2/11/26. Our legal council was not surprised by the response which requests dismissal of the case. In no way does this diminish the strength of our case against the County. Next steps are for our attorney and opposing council to agree on a date to request a hearing before the Goochland County Circuit Court to decide the dismissal request by the County. That date will likely be in the late spring or summer. See the video interview (link below and in Updates on this site) for details on our reaction to the County response.
The County response does give us a clear indication that Goochland Coynty intends to fight this case with their law firm, Gentry Locke. The County has moved $250,000 out of the general ledger to be used to pay legal fees for their defense. This is in addition to $100,000 in an insurance policy that can be used to fund their defense. While we are extremely grateful to donors who have supported us, we need additional donations to ensure we can continue to fund our legal campaign. THIS IS A VERY STRONG CASE AND WE HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE IT WILL HAVE IMPACT. BUT WE NEED YOUR DONATIONS!
⚠️What is at risk?
EVERYTHING!! These massive data centers threaten our QUALITY OF LIFE, OUR HEALTH, AND OUR PROPERTY VALUES. They do not come alone either. Their massive electrical requirements can bring 💣NUCLEAR REACTORS, 💨GAS PEAKER PLANTS, 🔋BATTERY STORAGE FACILITIES and MILES OF 🔌TRANSMISSION LINES. This TOD adds additional zoning to include an experimental nuclear reactor known as an SMR. Additionally, they are thirsty giants that WREAK HAVOC WITH 💦WATER SUPPLY. Data centers do not exist solo but, rather, come in MULTIPLES THAT SPREAD LIKE A CANCER💀 and their impact doesn’t recognize county boundaries.
📍What does this mean to you?
- Imagine the constant hum of diesel generators 24/7. In Loudon County, VA residents reported their children sleep in the basement due to constant noise and light from nearby data centers.
- Think about having to go without water pressure (or any water) for days due to consumption requirements of data centers.
- Contemplate what happens when the lights go out. Data centers take priority when the power grid cannot supply enough electricity for everyone. And residents pay higher rates on electric bills when demand soars (and it will).
- Worry about the threats to your family's health (especially children and the elderly). Radiation leaks can happen from experimental nuclear reactors supporting data centers. Respiratory issues result from air pollutants produced by diesel generators and gas peaker plants.
- Consider the fires from explosive battery storage facilities of data centers. Local fire and rescue services that residents rely on become even more strained.
- Plan on economic consequences if you finally have had enough and decide to move. Selling your home will bring the harsh reality of a diminished property value. No one wants to buy a house next to a data center.
💪What can you do?
PLEASE JOIN US BY CONTRIBUTING MONEY NOW TO CONTINUE OUR LEGAL BATTLE AGAINST DATA CENTER GROWTH WITHOUT NECESSARY RESIDENTIAL INPUT AND PROTECTIONS. SEND A CLEAR MESSAGE TO OUR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS THAT WE EXPECT THEM TO FOLLOW THE LAW AND PRIORITIZE CITIZEN WELFARE OVER UNCHECKED ECONOMIC GROWTH FROM DATA CENTERS. ALL FUNDS GO DIRECTLY TO PAY LEGAL FEES. WE NEED YOUR HELP!
🌐To learn more:
NEW: Video Interview on Our Reaction to Goochland County Response to Our Lawsuit (February 2026)
https://youtu.be/ES_ghUEHfPA
Video Interview with Lawsuit Updates (December 2025): https://youtu.be/fG5uB7E31ZQ
Petition to Remove Charlie Vaughters (District 4 Supervisor, Goochland Board of Supervisors): Contact Cynthia Haas at goochlandagainstdatacenters@gmail.net
Goochland Residents Alliance: Goochland Residents Alliance Link
Neighbors for Change: https://www.facebook.com/groups/971848147723262/
Sierra Club Virginia Chapter: Sierra Club
Misty Roundtree (Henrico County Board of Supervisors-Three Chopt District) addresses the Goochland Board of Supervisors: Watch Misty's Comments
