As data centers spread across Southwest Virginia, Morgan Griffith is cheering them on

As Southwest Virginians fight new data center mega-sites in their backyards, Morgan Griffith has made his position clear: he wants data centers in the region.

“I believe that both data centers and AI could benefit by being in the region,” Griffith said during a congressional discussion on artificial intelligence and energy.

Now, Griffith is backing a proposed Wise County data center project that would include a massive on-site power plant to fuel its operations.

While residents in Wise, Wythe, and Pulaski counties fight against new AI data centers being built near their homes and public land, Griffith has continued his longstanding support of data center development in Southwest Virginia.

On July 7th, Griffith went on the D.C. insider-focused podcast The Deciders and talked about how a proposed 600MW gas turbine power plant that could theoretically power most of the homes in his 9th Congressional District is “the right answer” for the Wise County site.

“You’ve got, you know, ma-and-pa small farm, and they’re trying to make ends meet. And here comes the data center, and they want those high-paying jobs we were talking about… but they don’t want to see their electric bill go up” Griffith said. “As the case is with a facility that’s being built in Wise County, Virginia, they’re building a natural gas generator as a part of the data center, and that, I think, is the right answer.”

A Google search for “Data center gas turbine noise” will turn up dozens of videos made by people demonstrating the ceaseless drone and discussing how the data centers have made it impossible for them to sell their home or to live with the noise. This is what Morgan Griffith advocates for his constituents.

Data center supporters tout increased tax income and technological competition with China. Opponents point to the environmental impact, noise, and the opaque tactics used to get projects around local opposition.

But for many in Southwest Virginia, the question is simple: why is Morgan Griffith promoting something that they are united against?

In Southwest Virginia, residents value the peace, serenity, and clean air of rural Appalachia. Morgan Griffith supports new data centers that would take up millions of square feet powered by jet engines running 24/7, dumping carbon into the atmosphere and generating a constant roar.

While Southwest Virginians from both ends of the political spectrum have united against new data centers in their counties, Morgan Griffith has made it clear he isn’t listening.

See his comments on The Deciders here: https://youtu.be/LkXgG5JqK68?si=V40cdgZ2nn_r_5je&t=846

Learn more about the proposed Wise County project: https://appvoices.org/2026/03/13/wise-county-maverick-project/

Congressional discussion on AI Data Centers and Energy: https://www.techpolicy.press/transcript-us-lawmakers-probe-ais-role-in-energy-and-climate/