Communities nationwide struggle to oppose data center proliferation
Data centers are rapidly expanding across the U.S., with Virginia having the most worldwide, sparking significant community opposition. Local activists in Northern Virginia are actively fighting further development, particularly around sites like the Manassas National Battlefield Park. The article highlights the challenges communities face in resisting this widespread growth.
Virginia has emerged as a global hub for data centers, leading the world in their proliferation, with continuous development proposed by companies, including projects near historical sites like the Manassas National Battlefield Park. This rapid expansion has ignited strong community opposition, particularly in Northern Virginia.
Elena Schlossberg, a prominent activist, emphasizes that the public often misunderstands the scale of land displacement caused by these facilities. The sentiment among many residents is one of 'Not Over There, Either' (NOTE), extending beyond typical NIMBYism.
This week's Reveal episode delves into the future driven by AI and the local conflicts arising from data center development. It also explores the perspectives of 'tech lords' regarding the future they envision, often without community consent. The article is part of a broader investigative series supported by various foundations.