Vermont Conservation Voters has launched a campaign aimed at stopping large-scale data center development in Vermont, warning that such facilities could drive up electricity costs and create environmental and quality-of-life problems.

The morning newsletter of the Journal-Opinion reports the group announced its “Don’t Data Center Vermont” campaign Wednesday amid growing debate across New England over the enormous amounts of electricity required by data centers, particularly those supporting artificial intelligence and other computing operations.

“The threat of data centers is real in Vermont and a governor veto in June has left Vermont unprotected and at risk,” Vermont Conservation Voters Executive Director Dan Fingas said.

Fingas said large data centers elsewhere have been blamed for higher energy costs, water consumption, noise and air pollution.

“We must protect Vermonters and our communities, and let the billionaire Big Tech corporations who are building them know that Vermont is not for sale,” Fingas said.

The campaign comes as neighboring New Hampshire confronts its own debate following reports that a large data center could be developed in Bow.

New Hampshire state Sen. Tom Cormen, a Lebanon Democrat, said he plans legislation imposing a 24-month moratorium on data center development and another bill requiring facilities consuming at least 30 megawatts of electricity to pay the costs associated with their operations. Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has also said she is open to considering a moratorium.

The debate could be significant for Vermont as policymakers weigh the economic benefits of data centers against their demands on the electric grid. Loudoun County, Virginia, for example, has become one of the nation’s largest data-center hubs, with roughly 200 facilities and dozens more planned. The industry has helped dramatically expand the county’s commercial tax base.

Roadless-rule debate reaches Vermont

A Vermont conservation advocate is also warning that a federal proposal to repeal the U.S. Forest Service’s 2001 Roadless Rule could affect some of the region’s best-known outdoor destinations.

Zack Porter, executive director of Standing Trees, wrote in a Rutland Herald commentary that rescinding the rule could expose currently protected National Forest lands to additional road construction, logging and other development.

Porter pointed to landscapes associated with the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail, as well as Mount Moosilauke and the Kancamagus Highway in neighboring New Hampshire.

He argued that keeping National Forest roadless areas intact protects wildlife habitat and streams while reducing potential flooding impacts and preserving recreational areas.

White River Junction VA reports data breach

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — The Veterans Affairs Medical Center in White River Junction has notified veterans of what it describes as an “unintentional data breach” involving personal health information.

According to an alert issued by the VA, several unencrypted communications containing veterans’ personal health information were sent between June and July 2026.

The VA said there is currently no indication that the information was compromised.

Veterans with questions or concerns may call 844-838-5433 Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4:30 PM.