Data Centers’ Neighbors Weigh in on How to Manage Them
Residents favored limits near homes and schools, underground power lines and regular energy and water reporting, with 47% supporting data center development.
- Northern Virginia remains the world's largest concentration of data centers, yet growing public opposition to their rapid expansion is forcing local leaders to confront resident demands for greater accountability and transparent governance.
- A 2026 survey of 1,004 residents by researcher Fengxiu Zhang and colleagues found that while 47% of Virginians support data center development, 27% oppose it, with many prioritizing strict oversight on energy usage and environmental impacts.
- Public pushback yielded concrete results in Prince William County, where officials rejected a 2,100-acre campus proposal and denied a separate 2,000-acre rezoning project in early July 2026, citing intense community opposition.
- Economic consequences are fueling local frustration, with power company Dominion Energy proposing a rate adjustment that could raise typical residential electricity bills by about $20 per month due to increased wholesale power reliance.
- Residents increasingly demand that future projects undergo rigorous public review before approval, with public participation ranked second among policy provisions shaping preferences for how Virginia should govern data center growth.
32 Articles
32 Articles
Data centers' neighbors weigh in on how to manage them
The people of northern Virginia have been living with data centers for many years. The area is home to the world's largest concentration of data centers. In a survey we conducted, we found that northern Virginians support development restrictions that could make data centers more transparent and accountable to the public. But they care about some types of regulations more than others.
The Conversation
Data centers’ neighbors weigh in on how to manage them
People who live near data centers in northern Virginia have opinions about how to manage them. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty ImagesThe people of northern Virginia have been living with data centers for many years. The area is home to the world’s largest concentration of data centers. In a survey we conducted, we found northern Virginians support development restrictions that could make data centers more transparent and accountable to the publ…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
