Data Center Bills, High-risk Intersection Segments, and the Valentine Collection
Cheers RVA!
Today will be mostly sunny with a high of 56, a slight breeze, and a low of 41 in the evening.
the juice:
City Council passed an ordinance Monday evening that would expand the locations where speed cameras could be installed to include “high-risk intersection segments.”
The ordinance was passed unanimously as part of the consent agenda, a group of routine and non-controversial items that do not require discussion.
High-risk intersection segments are defined in the Code of Virginia as intersections near schools where a traffic fatality has occurred in the past 10 years:
"High-risk intersection segment" means any highway or portion thereof located not more than 1,000 feet from the limits of the property of a school that is part of or adjacent to an intersection containing a marked crosswalk that is identified in the manner provided in this section as one in which a traffic fatality has occurred since January 1, 2014.
Councilmembers Ms. Lynch and Ms. Jordan were patrons of the ordinance.
the pulp:
In an effort to address the anxiety and uncertainty immigrant families may be feeling from recent federal actions, Superindendent Jason Kamras assured the community RPS would always be a safe haven for students. In a letter to parents and the community he wrote:
First, no matter who you are, where you come from, or how you define yourself, we will always do everything we can to ensure that you are safe and protected on school grounds. So please don't fear coming to school because you fear being taken away. Please, continue coming every single day. We desperately want to see you!
Richmond Radio host John Reid has announced a bid for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, from Anna Bryson at the RTD. Reid is the third Republican to join a crowded race that includes seven Democrats as well. Historically five of Richmond’s lieutenant governors have gone on to become Governor of Virginia.
RICToday has compiled a list of fun local events for February. Plan ahead!
A movement to reopen Richmond’s historic water springs continues to gain momentum, via Style Weekly.
the dive:
Leah Small from the Virginia-Mercury dives into the ongoing debate in the General Assembly regarding the continued expansion of data centers in the state and the effect on energy usage and costs.
A bill targeting large electric load businesses was tabled, and another that singled out data centers was amended.
Governor Younkgin has stated data centers contribute $9.1 billion to Virginia’s GDP.
With more data centers than any other state in the country there is a concern system costs could rise for everyone:
While data centers are currently paying their fair share under existing utility rate structures, their rapidly growing energy demand “will likely increase system costs for all customers,” according to a report by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC). The report suggests that creating separate rates for data centers could shield other customers from rising costs.
Without such measures, the JLARC study projects that utility bills for the average residential customer could increase by as much as $444 annually by 2040, excluding inflation.
Read the full article here.
the mention:
Happy Birthday to reader and early CheersRVA enthusiast Grace Karel!
the vibe:
While perusing the subreddit r/rva a link to a searchable database of images from the Valentine Collection appeared.
Have a constructive day RVA!
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