Proposed 2,000-acre data center in Prince William stirs debate
A proposed 2,000-acre data center campus in Prince William County, Virginia, is generating significant debate. While some landowners support the project for financial gain, residents and politicians are actively opposing it due to concerns about scale, infrastructure, and environmental impact. The county's Board of Supervisors is considering the initial approval stage for the project.
A massive 2,000-acre data center campus proposed for rural western Prince William County, Virginia, has ignited a fierce debate among residents and local politicians. The project, described as potentially the largest data center development globally, is currently in its initial approval stage with the Prince William County Board of Supervisors.
Opposition to the development is strong, with demonstrators protesting ahead of a board meeting and State Sen. Danica Roem advocating for a statewide moratorium on data centers. Concerns include the immense scale of the project (larger than the University of Maryland's campus), the necessity for multiple substations, and new high-voltage transmission lines impacting neighborhoods. Opponents are also worried about the conversion of farmland into AI infrastructure.
Conversely, some local landowners, including Josiah Hunter, express overwhelming support for the project. They highlight the significant financial offers from data center developers for their land, noting that the area's proximity to Dulles International Airport—a major internet traffic hub—makes it an ideal location for such infrastructure. Despite the ongoing debate, Prince William County staff has recommended against advancing the project, signaling the beginning of what is expected to be a prolonged conflict.